The Senate Democratic Caucus offers a plan on solving a one-billion dollar budget deficit, but it faces opposition from anti-tax groups…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the joint special session of the Legislature at 5pm.  He has invited special guests – college student Donna Satterfeal, who would be affected by a reduction of TOPS funding, Kelly Monroe the executive director of the ARC of Louisiana and Tina Haines, whose daughter is a recipient of a Children’s Choice Waiver.  Edwards has said all these programs would be affected if the budget shortfall isn’t fixed.

At least three Louisiana schools have received social media threats.  Ville Platte, Dutchtown and Ponchatoula High Schools were threatened over the weekend.  State Police Major Doug Cain says in light of the recent Florida school shooting that killed 17, making false threats is not a game and creates problems for law enforcement officials…

Cut 3 (08) “of threats.”

Two were arrested in connection with the Ponchatoula incident, including 18-year-old Troy Webber of Amite and a 17-year-old female.

Louisiana has experienced some fantastic weather as of late, leading to the question, Was Louisiana’s resident forecaster Pierre C. Shadow correct in saying we would have a longer Spring?  State Climatologist Barry Keim says…

Cut 12 (11) “have happened.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will lay out his plans on tackling the fiscal cliff when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature at 5: 00 today. Edwards called a special session to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit as a temporary one-cent sales tax expires on June 30th. Political pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Pinsonat says the governor will have difficulty getting tax bills passed out of the House, but might be able to work out a deal with the Senate…

Cut 14 (09) “the House.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus offers a solution on solving the one-billion dollar shortfall. Chairman Troy Carter proposes compressing income tax brackets, removing sales tax exemptions that benefit some businesses and expand the sales tax base, so certain services are taxed…

Cut 6  (05)  “have to hurt”

But anti-tax critics say proposal would raise income taxes on the middle class.

LRN

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At least three Louisiana schools have received social media threats, with Ville Platte under lockdown due to one received this morning.  Dutchtown and Ponchatoula High Schools were threatened in social media over the weekend.  State Police Major Doug Cain says If a threat against a school is found to be false, Cain says they will investigate and if they find the person who made it, there will be consequences…

Cut 4  (08) “be tolerated.” 

Officials say the Dutchtown threat was made by a former student living in another state.

And a 17-year-old girl was arrested in relation to the situation in Tangipahoa Parish. She was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after posting a snapchat video that claimed an incident was going to occur at a Tangipahoa school.

In a separate incident, 18-year-old Troy Webber of Amite was arrested after making a threat this weekend that he was going to shoot his fellow students when returning to school today. Webber has been charged with Terrorizing.

Louisiana Radio Network, Im Matt Doyle.

Governor John Bel Edwards will lay out his plans on tackling the fiscal cliff when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature at 5: 00 today. Edwards called a special session to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit as a temporary one-cent sales tax expires on June 30th.  Pinsonat says Edwards will have a hard time getting the GOP on board with his plan.

Cut 15 (07) “on government”

Pinsonat says the governor will have difficulty getting tax bills passed out of the House, but might be able to work out a deal with the Senate…

The Senate Democratic Caucus offers a solution on solving the one-billion dollar shortfall. That involves raising new revenue. But Director for the Louisiana Chapter of Americans for Prosperity John Kay says the Senate Democratic Caucus proposal would raise income taxes on the middle class…

Cut 8 (09) “they need.”

LRN

At least three Louisiana schools have received social media threats, with Ville Platte under lockdown due to one received this morning.  Dutchtown and Ponchatoula High Schools were threatened in social media over the weekend. State Police Major Doug Cain says  safety of students and school administration is top priorit right now.

Cut 5  (07)  “that school.”

recent above normal temperatures are making it feel more like Spring, but a pesky front is expected to move into North Louisiana starting tomorrow evening, which State Climatologist Barry Keim says will bring the temperatures closer to normal in that area for the remainder of the week…

Cut 11 (11) “the weekend.”

Winter may not be over, as record lows in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans have been observed as far out as early April.

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Matt Doyle.

The Senate Democratic Caucus offers a solution on solving the one-billion dollar shortfall due to hit in July. Chairman and New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter proposes compressing income tax brackets, removing sales tax exemptions that benefit some businesses and expand the sales tax base, so certain services are taxed. He says the changing of income tax brackets would not mean a huge increase in taxes for higher income wage earners.

Cut 7 (10)  “richest of the rich”

But Director for the Louisiana Chapter of Americans for Prosperity, John Kay, says the Senate Democratic Caucus proposal would raise income taxes on the middle class. Kay doesn’t see how this tax plan will get the 70 votes needed in the House, especially when many legislators are looking at ways to reduce spending.

Cut 9 (05) “in the house”

LRN

Just a few ago, some in Louisiana were putting up with ice and snow on the ground.  But recent above normal temperatures are making it feel more like Spring.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas of South Louisiana will continue to see the warm temperatures for some time…

Cut 10 (07) “of Louisiana.”

A pesky front is expected to move into North Louisiana starting tomorrow evening, which Keim says will being the temperatures closer to normal in that area for the remainder of the week…

Governor John Bel Edwards will lay out his plans on tackling the fiscal cliff when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature at 5: 00 today. Edwards called a special session to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit as a temporary one-cent sales tax expires on June 30th. Political pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards might renew portion of that penny, but he’ll have to agree on spending reforms

Cut 13 (07) “for cuts”

Louisiana Radio Network

A special session to address a one-billion-dollar fiscal cliff starts today.  Governor Edwards says popular programs such as TOPS may see cuts if the legislature don’t find a way to bridge the financial gap.  Shreveport republican Alan Seabaugh says he’s starting to see the framework for a grand bargain…

(CUT 11) (11) “funding TOPS.”

Springtime is acceptance letter season for most college bound high school students, and the state’s budget uncertainty is causing many to rethink whether they want to attend school in Louisiana. LSU president F. King Alexander is calling on legislators to find a budget solution that funds higher ed and TOPS by the end of the special session.

Cut 12 (10) “difficult position”

The special session kicks off today to address a one billion dollar shortfall. Legislators have until March 7^th to find a fix to the looming fiscal cliff or else cuts will occur in the areas of higher education and health care. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the governor has talked privately with house speaker Taylor Barras (Bah-rah) on solutions, but doesn’t think there is a viable solution yet…

Cut 4  (09) “real detail” 

Many Americans are swimming in debt and getting in deeper than ever. One report suggests total household debt has risen to 13-trillion-dollars for 2017.  Professor of Economics at Xavier University of Louisiana Dr. Jose Bautista says a lot of workers aren’t making enough money…

Cut 15 (12) into debt.”

Louisiana Radio Network, Im Matt Doyle

Shreveport Police had to catch a man twice who may be connected in robbing elderly women with a bat.  Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

School safety is a big talking point these days, and Louisiana Association of Educators President Deborah Meaux says schools need to be investing more in social work programs to help troubled students.

Cut 7 (11)  “administrative assistants.”

LRN

Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the Lincoln Parish school bus driver didn’t see the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams hopes someone knows why he was there…

Cut 5  (05)  “a call.”

Toxicological samples have been collected. No charges have been filed as of yet.

Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says it won’t be that drastic of a change…

Cut 11 (07) “a paycheck.”

LaGarde says the federal tax break outweighs the state’s updated tax withholding tables, meaning you still take home more than you did last year.

Louisiana Radio Network

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle.

Debates are raging about school safety in the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead by a mental unstable teen. Since the shooting, calls for increased mental health treatment in school have grown louder, But Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says when state budget cuts come in, and one of the first things on the chopping block tends to be social work programs.

Cut 9 (07) “for students”

Carter says along with an increased investment in counseling programs, we need to be taking a look at improving the layout of schools to improve security.

Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice.  Willhite says Roberson is facing additional charges after being arrested for escaping custody.

Cut 4  (07) “a vehicle.” 

There is no word if any weapons were confiscated.

LRN

Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says The state tax wage adjustment is automatic as it is built into the Louisiana Constitution.  LaGarde says your employer has nothing to do with the change.

Cut 12 (07) “to do.”

The Baton Rouge police officer shot by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Doctors say he should fully recover.  Cpl. Shane Totty was admitted Sunday night after sustaining a gunshot wound from Eugene Thomas Jr.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says  he hopes there won’t be a long recovery period for Totty…

Cut 15 (04) “to BRPD.”

Thomas is charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted first degree murder of a police officer and a felon in possession of a firearm.  Bond was set at 650-thousand-dollars.

Louisiana Radio Netowork

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Matt Doyle

A Florida shooting that left 17 dead has reignited the debate over school safety. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice after he gave officers the slip.

Cut 3 (08) “into custody.”

LRN

The Baton Rouge police officer shot by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Doctors say he should fully recover.  Cpl. Shane Totty was admitted Sunday night after sustaining a gunshot wound from Eugene Thomas Jr.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the department is thrilled Totty is home…

Cut 14 (10) “worked out.”

Thomas is charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted first degree murder of a police officer and a felon in possession of a firearm.  Bond was set at 650-thousand-dollars.

Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. The bus was nearly full with elementary aged students, Chief Deputy Clint Williams says none of the kids were hurt in the incident.

Cut 6  (10)  “schools unharmed.”

Louisiana Radio Network News

Louisiana Radio Network, Im Matt Doyle

Shreveport Police had to catch a man twice who may be connected in robbing elderly women with a bat.  Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

School safety is a big talkin point these days, and Louisiana Association of Educators President Deborah Meaux says schools need to be investing more in social work programs to help troubled students.

Cut 7 (11)  “administrative assistants.”

LRN

Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the Lincoln Parish school bus driver didn’t see the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams hopes someone knows why he was there…

Cut 5  (05)  “a call.”

Toxicological samples have been collected. No charges have been filed as of yet.

Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says it won’t be that drastic of a change…

Cut 11 (07) “a paycheck.”

LaGarde says the federal tax break outweighs the state’s updated tax withholding tables, meaning you still take home more than you did last year.

Louisiana Radio Network

Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice. Police say during the first arrest, Roberson was in possession of many of the items that have been reported stolen in recent weeks.  Since the escape attempt, Willhite says Roberson is facing additional charges after the second arrest…

Cut 4  (07) “a vehicle.” 

There is no word on if the bat was found.

The Baton Rouge police officer shot by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Doctors say he should fully recover.  Cpl. Shane Totty was admitted Sunday night after sustaining a gunshot wound from Eugene Thomas Jr.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the department is thrilled Totty is home…

Cut 14 (10) “worked out.”

A Florida shooting that left 17 dead has reignited the debate over school safety. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says it won’t be that drastic of a change…

Cut 11 (07) “a paycheck.”