Leaders from both sides are pointing fingers after the special session crashed and burned after 15 days of failed negotiations, leaving the state with no certain path to solving the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Republican Representative Cameron Henry says Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards was unable to rally his people.

Henry says the governor failed to communicate exactly what he wanted, or how large of a shortfall that needed to be made up…

Cut 14 (10) “shortfalls.”

But Edwards is placing the blame on House Speaker Taylor Barras.

Cut 15 (10) “of leadership”

The state legislature went home after spending 15 days in a special session and failing to find a solution for the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says legislators spent a lot of taxpayer money for very little return.

The session is expected to cost the state nearly a million dollars, 50-to-60-thousand dollars a day.

Despite early reports of House leadership and the governor having a framework for a deal, negotiations collapsed once the session started. DuBos says the same partisan divides that tanked the February special session still exist going forward.

Cut 5  (11)  “of uncertainty.”

A south Louisiana lawmaker thinks he has a solution for the state’s budget woes. It involves legalizing marijuana. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Louisiana drivers are getting a bit of a break with falling gas prices over the last few weeks. The statewide average for regular unleaded gas is $2.33 a gallon, but Triple A’s Don Redman says drivers typically aren’t concerned as long as gas stays below $2.75 a gallon, which will translate to a lot of traveling this year…

Cut 12 (06) “this summer.”

This year’s post special session blame game is revving up after the legislature failed to solve the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state legislature went home after spending 15 days in a special session and failing to find a solution for the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says legislators spent a lot of taxpayer money for very little return.

Cut 4  (07) “… nothing.” 

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is seeking to introduce a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana and set up a way to tax the sale of cannabis.

Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana, pulled in nearly 200-million-dollars in taxes, while Washington State is expected to bring in over 700-million-dollars between 2017 and 2019.  California could make upwards of 1.4-billion-dollars by 2021.  Jordan proposes a tax rate similar to cigarettes, which is $1.08 per pack.  Jordan says if Louisiana were to legalize pot, it wouldn’t give citizens the right to smoke it whenever they want to

Cut 8 (10) “manner possible.”

Louisiana drivers are getting a bit of a break with falling gas prices over the last few weeks. The statewide average for regular unleaded gas is $2.33 a gallon, but Triple A’s Don Redman says Earlier this year, the projection was for $3.00 a gallon in Louisiana, but Redman says the increase won’t be as much as first thought…

Cut 11 (10) “a gallon.”

Legislators waived the white flag on the special session. Matt Doyle looks at how much it cost taxpayers for lawmakers to do nothing towards fixing a one billion dollar shortfall…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana drivers are getting a bit of a break with falling gas prices over the last few weeks. The statewide average for regular unleaded gas is $2.33 a gallon, but Triple A’s Don Redman says don’t get too comfortable with these lower prices as we move into the warmer months…

Cut 10 (10) “grade gasoline.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is seeking to introduce a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana and set up a way to tax the sale of cannabis. Jordan says this legislation could help with the state’s constant budget deficits…

Cut 7 (09)  “right now.”

Leaders from both sides are pointing fingers after the special session crashed and burned after 15 days of failed negotiations, leaving the state with no certain path to solving the one billion dollar fiscal cliff. Republican Representative Cameron Henry says Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards was unable to rally his side.

Cut 13 (11)  “black caucus”

Governor John Bel Edwards was hopeful that legislators would find a way to come up with nearly one-billion-dollars to cover the loss of a one-cent sales tax on June 30^th. Today, he was sadly disappointed as both the House and Senate informed him they were at a stalemate and agreed to finalize the special session two days early. The Governor in a press conference was already hinting at another special session…

(CUT 26) (11) “the 4^th.”

Metairie Republican Representative Cameron Henry says the Governor called this special session without much forethought. Henry says to put the blame for this failure on the Democratic Party…

(CUT 28) (11) “black caucus.”

The Corps of Engineers is recommending opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway just outside of New Orleans this Thursday as Mississippi River levels are expected to steadily rise after several weeks of intense rains in the Midwest. Colonel Michael Clancy says the Mississippi is getting close to topping the New Orleans levee system.

Cut 15 (08) “designed for”

The river is currently at 14 feet. Once it reaches 15 feet, recreation and work near the levees will be restricted.

Another cold front will bring back cooler temperatures to Louisiana this week. Pierre C. Shadeaux, Louisiana’s rodent weather forecaster predicted an early end to winter back on ground hog day, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says the nutria’s prediction was premature.

Cut 12 (10) “of year.”

Temperatures will rebound somewhat by this coming weekend.

After over two weeks of bickering, name calling and passing the buck, The Louisiana legislature on both sides informed the Governor they were going home without a plan in place to raise taxes to bridge a one billion dollar budget deficit. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger says he is truly disappointed they couldn’t find a way to end the stalemate…

(CUT 29) (06) “consequences are.”

Governor Edwards has said if no compromise was found, TOPS education funding, health care and several other services would be drastically cut. Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Denise Marcelle said all this session did was cost a lot money…

(CUT 30) (09) “political games.”

The one-cent sales tax will fall off the books the end of June, causing the shortfall.

Now that it’s over, Metairie Republican Representative Cameron Henry says the Governor called this special session without much forethought and blames Edwards’ own party on not getting the budget gap fixed.

(CUT 28) (11) “black caucus.”

Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the same partisan divides that tanked the February Special Session will still exist going forward.

(CUT 27) (11) “of uncertainty.”

Once the regular session starts next Monday March 12^th, no tax bills will be able to be discussed. Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to speak on the failure of the special session later today.

The curtain has all but fallen on the 2018 First extraordinary legislative session with nothing happening. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Cameron Parish authorities have new information on the severed head found in a ditch alongside Highway 27.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”.

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The special session is all but over as far as lawmakers are concerned. Time limitations have eaten up any real possibility of banging out a deal to plug the nearly billion dollar budget hole that opens up July 1st. Republican Jack McFarland of Jonesboro…

Cut 3 (:11) “going on.”

Democrats are crying foul on promises made and promises broken. Representative Gene Reynolds is the chairman of the Democratic Caucus.

Cut 4  (11) “things changed.” 

Republican Representative Jack McFarland was noticeably disturbed by the way things played out but more concerned about the damage going forward in the upcoming regular session..

Cut 5  (05 ) “the public.”

Reynolds says he plans on taking a different approach when the regular session rolls around because the old one isn’t working.

Cut 6 (10)  “plan together.”

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The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the preliminary findings in connection with a partly decomposed severed head found south of Hackberry on Highway 27 last week. Sheriff Ron Johnson says they know it’s a 25-40 year old female with dark colored hair, with no trauma to the skull. They believe it wasn’t in the marshy area very long…

Cut 7 (09)  “the head.”

It appears there was a lot of dental work that had been performed and Johnson hopes it will be easy for forensics at the LSU FACES lab to identify the victim through dental records…

Cut 8 (06) “this point.”

Johnson says they know it’s more than likely not a missing persons case from Cameron Parish. He says they need more information before moving forward…

Cut 9 (09) “are released.”

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Parts of Louisiana could see some strong thunderstorms as a cold front invades the bayou. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect the weather to take a turn this afternoon.

Cut 10 (08) “high winds.”

A half inch to two inches of rainfall is expected, which is raising concerns in north Louisiana after record breaking rain totals across north Louisiana for February. Along with some nasty storm systems, Keim says temperatures will plummet.

Cut 11 (12) “south Louisiana.”

Pierre C. Shadeaux, Louisiana’s rodent weather forecaster predicted an early end to winter back on ground hogs day, but Keim says the nutria’s prediction was premature.

Cut 12 (10) “of year.”

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The Corps of Engineers is recommending opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway just outside of New Orleans this Thursday as Mississippi River levels are expected to steadily rise after several weeks of intense rains in the Midwest. Colonel Michael Clancy says if the spillway is not opened, New Orleans could get swamped.

Cut 13 (10) “unnecessary risk”

The Bonnet Carre is expected to be operated at half capacity.

The spillway diverts river water into Lake Ponchartrain, and Clancy says it could see an extended tour of duty.

Cut 14 (10) “for longer”

The river was expected to rise more slowly, and later in the month, but has swelled rapidly. Clancy says the Mississippi is getting close to topping the New Orleans levee system.

Cut 15 (08) “designed for”

Three days are left in the special session and it looks like the House will not pass any legislation to address the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Bestschools.org has ULM as the only Louisiana college to be ranked in the 100 Best Online Colleges, coming in at number 58. Online Programs coordinator Katie Dawson says the commitment to excellence the professors provide on campus spills over to the online program, which is a big part of the program’s success…

Cut 8 (08) “our success.”

The Louisiana School Board Association is asking the state legislature for an increase of 70-million-dollars to provide better school security and increase safety measures. LSBA Executive Director Scott Richard says the increase would allow schools to put their local funds to better use…

Cut 9 (12)  “local funding.”

A sort of “Re-do” bill has been pre-filed for the upcoming legislative regular session by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel. Senate Bill 31 disqualifies would be candidates from running for office after convicted of a felony for at least 15 years after they have served a sentence. Voters approved this legislation before, but the Louisiana Supreme Court tossed it out, because the version that appeared on the ballot was different than what legislators approved. So Appel wants to put it on the ballot again…

Cut 4  (10) “has elapsed.” 

All hope appears lost that the state legislature will pass any tax measures in this special session to address a nearly one-billion dollar shortfall. A sales tax bill that would provide nearly 300-million dollars in revenues was defeated soundly for a second time last night. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LA-politics-dot-com,

says it’s unlikely the fractured House will gather the necessary 70 votes to pass this sales tax bill or the 53 votes to approve a separate income tax bill that’s also been discussed…

Cut 13 (07)  “from this”

Bestschools.org has ULM as the only Louisiana college to be ranked in the 100 Best Online Colleges, coming in at number 58. Online Programs coordinator Katie Dawson says the wide range of degrees they offer through the internet is a large reason they get high marks.

They are especially proud of one group who can’t make it to the campus, but Dawson says they still are seeking a high quality education…

Cut 7 (06)  “taking classes.”

A sort of “Re-do” bill has been pre-filed for the upcoming legislative regular session by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel. Senate Bill 31 disqualifies would be candidates from running for office after convicted of a felony for at least 15 years after they have served a sentence. Voters approved this legislation before, but the Louisiana Supreme Court tossed it out, because the version that appeared on the ballot was different than what legislators approved.

The “re-do” measure was also killed last session in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, but Appel is resurrecting it.

Cut 5  (11)  “or not.”

Early March triggers an up-tick in allergy related issues. Physician and Allergist, Dr. Peter Boggs says we are already a month into what’s usually a very long pollen season with tree pollen’s but as March wears on the grass pollens join in which causes multiple effects on people. Boggs says most of the Most of the good Antihistamines are over the counter now to combat sniffles and sneezing.

All hope appears lost that the state legislature will pass any tax measures in this special session to address a nearly one-billion dollar shortfall. A sales tax bill that would provide nearly 300-million dollars in revenues was defeated soundly for a second time last night. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LA-politics-dot-com,

Two weeks ago, a 17-day special session began with hope lawmakers would close a 994-million dollar shortfall that will come about when temporary sales taxes expire on June 30th. Alford says this session is on the verge of crashing and burning, because no one was able to get on the same page on how to solve the fiscal cliff

Cut 14 (10) “off of it.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says House leadership is not negotiating in good faith. He says a vast majority of the House wanted to solve this problem, but were not given the chance. The governor says budget reform proposals wanted by the speaker made it through the process. He says the governor kept his promise, House leadership did not.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has one of the best online courses in the country.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The Louisiana School Board Association is asking the state legislature for an increase of 70-million-dollars to provide better school security and increase safety measures. LSBA Executive Director Scott Richard says Governor Edwards supports LBSA’s funding increase request by 2.75 percent. Richard hopes Edwards can make good on his promise to…

Cut 11 (07) “the state.”

Three days are left in the special session and it looks like the House will not pass any legislation to address the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The House Democratic caucus issued this statement last night following adjournment, in part. Quote…”our republican colleagues displayed little interest in actually passing a package to solve our problems tonight when they refused to take up instruments in a bipartisan manner. Their bad behavior and irresponsibility was rubber stamped by republican leadership as usual.”

A sort of “Re-do” bill has been pre-filed for the upcoming legislative regular session by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel. Senate Bill 31 disqualifies would be candidates from running for office after convicted of a felony for at least 15 years after they have served a sentence. Voters approved this legislation before, but the Louisiana Supreme Court tossed it out, because the version that appeared on the ballot was different than what legislators approved. So Appel wants to put it on the ballot again…

Cut 4  (10) “has elapsed.” 

The Louisiana School Board Association is asking the state legislature for an increase of 70-million-dollars to provide better school security and increase safety measures. LSBA Executive Director Scott Richard says In light of the Florida school shooting that killed 17, all schools are on high alert. Even if the request is not granted, Richard says it’s a good time for schools to look over protocols currently in use…

Cut 10 (09) “in place.”