The House of Representatives is off today following a floor-fight yesterday that brought the session to another halt. Jim Shannon has more as the mid-point of the session draws near.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Legislation that attempts to solve a one-billion dollar budget gap is stalled in the special session. But Jeff Palermo reports Governor John Bel Edwards remains optimistic something will get done by next Wednesday…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency for several parishes along the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Rivers. Flood watches and warnings remain in effect through Thursday afternoon as an additional two to four inches of rainfall is expected.  GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says persons living near those areas need to remain alert…

Cut 3 (07) “as well.”

Steele says river forecasters say this could be just the start of an extended period in which flooding will continue to impact areas already water logged…

Cut 4  (10) “eyes on.” 

Steele says they will continue to work closely with local authorities in determining conditions and a plan of action if it becomes necessary to evacuate an area…

Cut 5  (10)  “communication open.”

By declaring a State of Emergency, Steele says it allows the state to ask for more help from the Federal government if needed for flood victims.  The parishes in the declaration include Avoyelles, Beaurgard, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita and Rapides Parishes.

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The House of Representatives is quiet today as members are taking as one lawmaker termed a “mental health day” off. Fingers have been pointing all over the capitol in explanation of why the budget crunch cannot be fixed. Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland.

Cut 6  (08)  “in personalities”

McFarland says today is a needed day off so all sides can take a deep breath as the special session nears the mid-way point.

Cut 7 (09)  “some more compromise”

But Baton Rouge Black Caucus member Ted James says his caucus will not cow-down to pressure of putting a financial burden on the poor.

Cut 8 (08) “We are serious”

James says he and his coalition are not backing down during this session. He says he would rather head to the house first.

Cut 9 (10) “i do that.”

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LSU has confirmed there is no active investigation on the Tiger basketball program.  Yahoo Sports says an NCAA inquiry was started to learn more about Coach Will Wade’s recruiting efforts across the country.  Rivals.com says the 2018 class is ranked third in the country.   In a press conference Monday, Wade says he’s just looking for the best players for his program…

Cut 10 (11) “be here.”

Wade says the press will say what they want to say, and as the leader of the program, he can’t let that distract him from doing the job at hand…

Cut 11 (11) “it movin’.”

Wade says he’s proud of the team’s accomplishments and much of that success can be attributed to his recruiting style…

Cut 12 (11) “our school”

LSU in a statement in relation to the allegations says it stands for full compliance and partnership with the NCAA and SEC.

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It’s unclear if legislators will find a solution to a looming one billion dollar budget deficit before the special session ends next Wednesday. Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with legislative leadership and remains optimistic a deal can be struck

Cut 13 (10) “always said”

The full House is expected to try again tomorrow to pass revenue generating bills that can close the looming budget gap. If an agreement can’t be reached, a special session may be needed in June to pass a budget. Edwards wants to avoid another special session…

Cut 14 (13) “funded at all”

There was a lot of finger pointing when the House was in session yesterday. Edwards says a compromise can be reached, if everyone can work together…

The Red River is expected to crest by Wednesday in northwest Louisiana. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The state is getting the word out about a new savings program for families with developmentally disabled members. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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Flooding in north Louisiana remains a concern as a stubborn storm system dropped several inches of rain this weekend. National Weather Service hydrologist C.S. Ross says they are concerned about flooding on the Red River for the next several days….

Cut 3 (09) “this week.”

The Ouachita River is also expected to crest in Monroe later this week as well as nearby bayous and rivers.  Areas in central Louisiana are also expected to get hit with high water as well further downstream on the lower Red River.  Ross says there isn’t a break from the rainy conditions…

Cut 4  (07) “coming up.” 

Ross says if the predictions hold true, several roads will be impacted as the Red hits flood stage…

Cut 5  (09)  “access roadways.”

The Red River is expected to rise to 39 feet at Shreveport by Wednesday, six feet above flood stage.

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LA ABLE is a new program that offers families with developmentally disabled members the opportunity to put tax deductible dollars in a safe state savings account to pay for future health and education needs. State Treasurer Jon Schroder says it gives families who, already facing a tough battle, a tool to help provide for their disabled loved ones.

Cut 6  (06)  “federal deduction”

Families can put in up to 14,000 dollars a year, to a max of 100,000 dollars.

Schroder says the money is invested safely, so you don’t have to worry about stock market turmoil putting your family’s finances at risk.

Cut 7 (10)  “needs purpose”

The fund operates similarly to the popular state educations savings program START, but Schroder says it’s not just for education, it covers health as well.

Cut 8 (06) “with disabilities”

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A slew of last minute amendments added to some revenue generating bills in the House Ways and Means Committee has bogged down the special session. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh tacked a number of changes that did not go well with Democrat Marcus Hunter. Hunter says the amendments are so  in-digestible that this group of legislators might as well just go home.

Cut 9 (09) “in June.”

Democratic legislators held the House proceedings at bay during the morning as nothing was moving.

Cut 10 (11) “improved upon.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras says he spoke with members of the legislative black caucus this morning to attempt to resolve some of the issues. So far all members are looking for answers from the fourth floor.

Cut 11 (11) “the administration.”

Both sides agree something needs to be done by the governor…

Cut 12 (06) “the administration.”

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Yahoo Sports reports NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics. But a source says the inquiry has stalled because of a lack of on-the-record specifics. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it doesn’t look like the NCAA has found any wrong doing involving Wade…

Cut 13 (10) “for that”

The report says the investigation into Wade began shortly after he was hired last March.  Worsham says so far it doesn’t like LSU is any significant trouble…

Cut 14 (12) “up to par”

In a short time, Wade has been able to recruit well enough that’s LSU’s 2018 class is ranked as third best in the country. Worsham says the high ranking might have raised some red flags from opposing schools

A bill inspired by flood victim’s horror stories of wreckless drivers pushing water into their homes is being proposed for the upcoming regular session. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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You may have seen some savings from the federal tax bill in your paycheck, but it will be summertime before you see it on your utility bill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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One north Louisiana sheriff is asking schools to allow teachers to carry guns.  Kelley Ray has more on this heated topic…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreckless drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Cut 4  (12) “those folks” 

Claitor says passing the bill could help cut down on such incidents.

Cut 5  (05)  “people’s attention.”

If the bill passes, Claitor says you’ll be able to report wreckless flood zone drivers to the authorities.

Cut 6 (06)  “the DA”

The bill would also extend these laws to watercraft used during flood situations.

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Taxes are down 14 percent for utility companies in the wake of the federal tax overhaul, but Louisianans haven’t seen lower rates. The Public Service Commission says they anticipate lower rates as a result, but Commissioner Lambert Boissierre says you could be waiting until summer to see the change.

Cut 7 (06)  “current estimate”

Boissierre says the new tax structure means the PSC will have to redo its previous analysis that it sets every six months to a year for rate changes. He says there is a lot that goes into formulating the rates.

Cut 8 (10) “money back”

The commissioner says the tax overhaul effected a wide variety of different companies that Louisiana residents rely on.

Cut 9 (11)  “These companies.” (2X)

Boissierre disagrees with the commission’s estimates for when rate changes could take place, and feels utility companies have the ability to begin cutting rates immediately.

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Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is asking the Caddo Parish School Board, to allow some faculty and administrators to carry guns on campus.  Most Caddo Parish schools have a security guard or a resource officer, but he feels it’s not enough.  Prator says schools are an open door to criminals with weapons…

Cut 10 (11) “a gun”

Teacher union groups oppose Prator’s proposal. President of the Red River United Union, Jackie Lansdale, says teachers are there to educate students and going beyond that to protect students is more than what they signed up for…

Cut 11 (06) “become that.”

The special session is coming back to life, as lawmakers are convening Sunday to hear a series of tax and Medicaid proposals. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 14-year tenure as chairman of the Republican Party ends on Saturday for Roger Villere. Jeff Palermo has more on how the party has changed during that time…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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Officials are investigating a shooting that injured two people on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond early Friday morning. University spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt says the shooting stemmed from a fight involving students and others who do not attend the school…

Cut 3 (13) “life threatening.”

Officials say several individuals were near the assembly hall, where basketball games are played when the shooting occurred…

Cut 4  (07) “under investigation.” 

Governor Edwards released a statement that says “the state is ready to mobilize every available resource…to assist in this investigation.” The campus is open as normal today.

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After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic that legislation will begin moving forward when legislators convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he says he’s optimistic about its chances…

Cut 5  (10)  “floor monday.”

Medicaid reform is also on deck, with a proposal from West Monroe Republican Representative Frank Hoffman to implement work requirements for beneficiaries. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger’s bill to reduce itemized tax deductions will also be heard. Dwight says it’s something for both parties.

Cut 6  (10)  “democrats needed”

Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James says after a week of haggling, the legislature is showing some signs of life.

Cut 7 (06)  “significant”

If the proposals advance out of committee, they would then be heard on the House floor. James says a plan to solve the fiscal cliff could still be a ways off, with Democrats balking at allowing the state to keep special sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 8 (08) “for us”

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Louisiana Republican Party chairman Roger Villere relinquishes his role on Saturday after 14-years. It’s believed he’s the longest serving chairman of a state party in the country. Villere says during that time, the political demographics have changed, as the GOP is the dominant party for statewide offices…

Cut 9 (09) “that scenario.”

When Villere took over as GOP Chair, the only Republican statewide official was the late Secretary of State Fox McKeithen. Now it has completely flipped the other way. Villere says there’s also been an increase in registered Republican voters…

Cut 10 (08) “than double.”

A new party chairman will be elected on Saturday at the Old State Capital in Baton Rouge, where the Republican State Central Committee will meet.  Villere says the goal for the new chairman should work on getting more Republican mayors elected…

Cut 11 (08) “are terrible.”

Villere says he will still be involved in the Republican Party by starting a consulting group to get a GOP prepared to run against 2^nd District Democrat Congressman Cedric Richmond.

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The Storm Prediction Center has north Louisiana under a slight risk for severe weather for Saturday. Forecaster Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says warm unstable air will collide with a cooler air mass

Cut 12 (10) “some tornadoes”

Hill says if you were planning on busting out the grill and enjoying a nice spring weekend, you’re in for a nasty surprise.

Cut 13 (11) “the area”

Hill says the entire state should see rain on Saturday, but most of the nasty weather will remain in the north.

Cut 14 (11) “the state”

A report commissioned by the Waterways and shipyard industry says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages in a two-year period. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

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Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now.  Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front, while South Louisiana is seeing record breaking heat.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says residents of North Louisiana should watch the weather closely over the next several days…

Cut 3 (08) “flooding issue.”

Meanwhile, Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana.  Some areas are breaking records…

Cut 4  (09) “Baton Rouge.” 

As the front moves through the state and mixes in with the warmer unstable air, Keim says it could bring some stormy weather…

Cut 5  (08)  “north Louisiana.”

Louisiana sees a break from the stormy weather on Monday before another front brings good changes of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

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A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cut 6  (12)  “down turn”

The study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars and more should be done at the State Capitol to keep the waterways and shipbuilders a float.

Cut 7 (09)  “full steam”

Barnes says ships and barges aren’t the only industries with a protected interest in the water ways. It’s a diverse group.

Cut 8 (12) “pretty far”

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A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill South Lafourche High School teacher…

Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”

Also on Wednesday, a 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school told others about their intent to bring a gun to school.  Matherne says even though neither of them were in possession of any weapons, they are being evaluated…

Cut 10 (10) “is continuing.”

Matherne says they investigated several other allegations and threats at other schools Wednesday and most were found to be untrue.   He says in the threats they did confirm with the three juveniles, the suspects acted alone…

Cut 11 (05) “completely seperate.”

Additional deputies have been assigned to LaFourche Parish schools with the increase in threats since the Florida school shooting.

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Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler is being sued for allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. The suit alleges a pattern of repeated harassment, and claims to have multiple documents that support the accusations. Ross’s attorney Jill Crafts says that includes an explicitly worded Valentine’s letter from the Secretary.

Cut 12 (11) “will change”

The suit alleges the harassment began in 2007 shortly after Schedler bought a townhouse in the same complex Ross lived in. It alleges Schedler made comments clearly stating that he was watching Ross in her home, including comments about male visitor’s to her house.

Craft says Schedler also bombarded Ross with dozens of inappropriate texts.

Cut 13 (11) “gunna stop”

Craft says the harassment had an impact on Ross’s career.

Cut 14 (09) “a relationship”

Schedler says his office “takes any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously”, and has issued a statement saying he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Law enforcement and schools systems statewide have seen an increase in online threats in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at a high school in Florida. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The special session is at a tipping point after a first attempt at tax reform failed in the House Ways and Means committee. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

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The State Department of Education is launching the “Be Irreplaceable. Be a Teacher” campaign.  Teacher of the Year Kim Eckert announced the 100-thousand-dollar campaign which is an effort to convince high school and college students to make a career in the teaching profession.

Cut 3 (07) “look like.”

Eckert says DOE will attempt to attract Generation Z about the prestige of the teaching career through television, radio and billboard ads and their website…

Cut 4  (09) “anything else.” 

Eckert says it’s a challenge to bring in new teachers to Louisiana, since nearby states pay an average of 17-hundred-dollars more. She says it can be overcome by urging teachers to speak openly with lawmakers and education officials and that starts with this campaign…

Cut 5  (11)  “gonna be.”

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Across Louisiana, students, teen aged boys mainly, have been arrested for terrorizing school mates in the wake of the mass shooting in south Florida. Police are reporting incidents all over the state. LSU Pediatric psychologist Joy Osofsky (Oh-saf-ski) says it’s her belief that kids are simply mimicking what they see.

Cut 6  (12)  “are scared”

Osofsky says kids need to hear from parents when these types of events happen.

Cut 7 (05)  “what happened”

And she warns many of these kids are star-stricken by the gun toting killers…they relish in the fact that they are “in control.”

Cut 8 (10) “be identified.”

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Many high school students love to participate in sports, unfortunately there isn’t enough referees to officiate some of those games. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Keith Alexander says it’s hard to find basketball officials. He believes the crowds, especially if they get unruly, make a difference.

Cut 9 (10) “the court.”

Alexander says there have been times when the crowds have gotten completely out of hand and have had to take extreme measures in a football game

Cut 10 (08) “empty stadium.”

As spring sports begin to ramp up, Alexander says they are needing more refs to step up to the plate

Cut 11 (10) “active official.”

More information can be found at their website at L-H-S-A-A-dot-org.

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The special session is at a tipping point after just three days. The first major piece of tax reform legislation, aimed at plugging a portion of the billion dollar fiscal cliff, has stalled in the House Ways and Means committee. Lake Charles Republican Representative Stephen Dwight says this failure could doom the special session.

Cut 12 (07) “is over.”

The bill would renew a quarter of the expiring penny sales tax, and remove some of the special sales tax exemptions enjoyed by certain industries. The bill would generate an estimated 300 million a year.

Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James rejects the idea that this is the only fix to the fiscal cliff that would gut popular programs like TOPS. He says Republicans won’t allow other solutions to be entertained.

Cut 13 (10) “I’m not”

Reports say this bill represents the furthest GOP lawmakers would be willing to go to raise revenue to head off spending cuts. The bill would fill about a third of the budget gap that kicks in July 1^st. Dwight says these are the only taxes he’s willing to support.

Cut 14 (09) “of it”

The mood was tense in the committee hearing, as Democrats and Republicans alike grew frustrated at the lack of progress. One major point of contention is renewing a portion of the expiring penny sales tax, and Baton Rouge Republican Barry Ivey says any renewal is a non-starter.

After hitting the Southern regional average for teacher’s salaries back in 2007, Louisiana has fallen behind.   Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Tangipahoa school board member is under fire after he shared a photo of a noose on Facebook. Jim Shannon has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”.

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US Presidents pardon turkeys on Thanksgiving, Louisiana pardons a crawfish early in the crawfish season. Emile the crawfish will be allowed to live his life out peacefully thanks to Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser  who picked “Emile” to be pardoned for their “annual pardoning of the crawfish”…

Cut 3 (11) “boiled alive.”

Several were in attendance at the old U.S. Mint in New Orleans to witness the proclamation, including representatives from the the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board.  Nungesser says not everyone understands the event.  During a visit to the White House, he tried to explain it to Vice President Mike Pence…

Cut 4  (11) “for Thanksgiving.” 

This unique event celebrates the crawfish season which is underway. Nungesser says the price might be high now, but it will come down soon…

Cut 5  (08)  “price down.”

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Teacher salaries reached the Southern regional average in 2007, but Louisiana has fallen behind, as educators receive on average 17-hundred dollars less. And with a one-billion-dollar shortfall, it’s unlikely extra money will go towards the 47-thousand public school teachers. Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Cynthia Posey says the pay is leading to fewer teachers…

Cut 6  (07)  “a job.”

Posey says teachers are in the profession to changes lives.  She says even though it isn’t all about the money, they have bills to pay and families to take care of…

Cut 7 (09)  “to ask.”

Posey hopes lawmakers can stabilize the budget in the ongoing special session, so more money can be available for teachers…

Cut 8 (09) “in Louisiana.”

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Tangipahoa Parish School Board member Mike Whitlow is facing heavy backlash for posting a picture of a noose on his public Facebook page. The picture had the caption: “If we want to make America great again, we will have to make evil people fear punishment again.” Tangipahoa Parish council member  Louis Joseph says it was a bad idea.

Cut 9 (09) “like that”

Joseph says that kind of behavior is unacceptable for someone in a position of authority.

Cut 10 (05) “is reprehensible.”

Whitlow says the post was not racially motivated, and was only inspired by an article he read that called for stiffer prison sentences for violent offenders. He says he’s taken the appropriate steps to remedy the situation.

Cut 11 (09) “my intent”

Whitlow says negative reactions to his post are misplaced, and has no intention of stepping down.

Cut 12 (08) “on this.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor John Bel Edwards have agreed to coordinate efforts to bring litigation against opioid manufacturers, who they feel are responsible for the epidemic that’s claiming hundreds lives every year. The A-G’s Chief Deputy Bill Stiles says the state seeks damages for costs incurred within the Medicaid program.

Cut 13 (10) “these prescriptions”

Stiles hopes to expand the scope of the lawsuit into all state services effected, including corrections and family services.

Stiles says the suit is in the interest of all Louisianans, as the opioid epidemic is a problem that cuts across racial and class lines.

Cut 14 (08) “the other”

Stiles is optimistic that the suit will be successful in attacking the root of the epidemic, and help the state recoup the heavy cost of opioid addiction.

A couple of interstate projects are slated for Lake Charles.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham told the Baton Rouge Press Club he has yet to decide on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019, but he sounded like a candidate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the legislature on the first day of the special session.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The State Transportation Department will begin work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles on March 3rd. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will replace the expansion joints on the bridge, initially closing one eastbound lane. Mallett says this work is part of a large scale job they plan to perform…

Cut 4  (10) “be redecked.” 

Officials hope to minimize the amount of accidents during the work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles.  Mallett says it’s important that drivers pay attention while driving in the work zone to avoid adding delays…

Cut 5  (08)  “further delays.”

There are a few options for drivers to circumvent I-10 if they want to avoid the extra congestion…

Cut 6 (10)  “some point.”

The project is expected to be completed in four to six months.

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham made no bones about his intentions to take a hard look at running for Governor. On the day when Governor John Bel Edwards took center stage at the capitol and opened the special legislative session, Abraham took a swipe at his potential opponent while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press club.

Cut 7 (09)  “lack of trust”

Abraham says Edwards position on how to pull the state out of the billion dollar deficit is proof positive Edwards is not being truthful.

Cut 8 (11) “with that”

Abraham says in the days of lightning fast social media Louisiana voters are less likely to consider where a candidate is from and more likely to hear his message.

Cut 9 (08 )  “with us”

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Three teens were arrested in connection with two alleged social media threats made against Tangipahoa Parish Schools. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says a 17-year-old female and a minor are charged in spreading a post that said, “Don’t go to school Monday.  A school shooting is going to happen and they are warning everyone.” Edwards says that resulted in his deputies sweeping the school before allowing students on campus…

Cut 10 (08) “the night.”

Edwards says 18-year-old Troy Webber of Amite was arrested in separate incident after he allegedly threatening to shoot students and teachers at school Monday…

Cut 11 (13) “as well.”

Social media threats have been made against several Louisiana schools just days after a gunman opened fire on a Florida school, killing 17.  Kelley Ray says State Police are distributed by the increase in threats, real or not…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The Senate Demcractic Caucus offers a plan on solving a one-billion dollar budget deficit, but it faces opposition from anti-tax groups. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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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 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.”

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.” 

None of the Louisiana schools in question were closed today.  But Cain says each situation is evaluated on its own and safety of students for law enforcement and school administration is top priority…

Cut 5  (07)  “that school.”

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

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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”

Carter, who is a state senator from New Orleans, says the Democratic Caucus offers up this plan, because they oppose any effort to renew the temporary one-cent sales tax. 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 by 50-percent…

Cut 8 (09) “they need.”

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 (09) “compromise at all”

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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 bring the temperatures closer to normal in that area for the remainder of the week…

Cut 11 (11) “the weekend.”

Was Louisiana’s resident forecaster Pierre C. Shadow correct in saying we would have a longer Spring?  Keim says…

Cut 12 (11) “have happened.”

Keim says records indicate that Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport all recorded freezes in early April, though it’s been at least 29 years since the last April freeze was reported in Louisiana.

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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”

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.”

All tax bills must start in the House and will get their first hearing in front of the House Ways and Means committee. Pinsonat says Edwards will have a hard time convincing conservative lawmakers to raise taxes…

State lawmakers return to the capital today to begin a special session to fix the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more from a capital observer.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The governor and House GOP leaders are jockeying for position on a potential special session grand bargain to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Almost 50 percent of debt Louisianans carry are in collections.  It’s a staggering number, but Kelley Ray found out it doesn’t have to be that way.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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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 on solutions, but

Cut 4  (09) “real detail” 

Early reports say legislators are making progress on a fix the to one billion dollar budget gap. Erwin says even though a deal isn’t currently on hand, he expects some agreement to be made.

Cut 5  (09)  “this bunch.”

Edwards is calling for the replacement of the expiring sales taxes with permanent tax reform that would eliminate certain deductions for businesses, and the GOP wants spending reductions. Erwin doubts the governor will get the legislation he wants.

Cut 6 (09)  “really unfortunate”

Erwin says he doesn’t expect an agreement to be made that can secure the 70 house votes and the governor’s signature until late into the session.

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Governor Edwards and state lawmakers are in Baton Rouge for the special session to find a solution to the looming fiscal cliff that threatens to gut popular programs like TOPS. The governor is seeking tax reform, and Republicans want spending reductions. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the GOP caucus is demanding the creation of the Louisiana Checkbook.

Cut 7 (08)  “time ago”

He says the program would increase transparency, and would closely resembles Ohio’s Ohiocheckbook.com

Along with implementing Medicaid copays, tighter eligibility, and work requirements, Miguez says he also wants to see a state spending cap that is tied to private sector economic performance.

Cut 8 (06) “state government.”

Democrats say they will not allow a full renewal of the expiring one penny sales tax, as they feel it unfairly targets the poor. Franklin Representative and Democrat Sam Jones wants a budget deal that ensures crucial programs are not underfunded.

Cut 9 (10)  “the infrastructure”

Political analysts have warned the special session could be a political minefield, with Republicans attempting to make sure the governor does not leave with a “win” that could propel him to another term in office. Jones says so far, the negotiations have been fair.

Cut 10 (05) “type moment.”

Shreveport Representative Republican Alan Seabaugh says he’s beginning to see the framework for a grand bargain.

Cut 11 (11) “funding tops.”