A bill to prohibit convicted felons from running for office has been pre-filed for the regular session by Metairie senator Conrad Appel. It’s already been passed once, but as Michael Farrar reports it’s back again.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michael Farrar.”

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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.”

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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”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “or not.”

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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…

Cut 6 (08)  “doctoral programs.”

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

Cut 7 (06)  “taking classes.”

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.”

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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.”

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.”

Governor Edwards says he wants to honor LBSA’s funding increase request by 2.75 percent. Richard hopes Edwards can make good on his promise to…

Cut 11 (07) “the state.”

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A Mason-Dixon Poll finds voters are satisfied with the job Governor Edwards is doing, but it doesn’t mean he will be re-elected in 2019. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU students guilty of hazing will be expelled from campus. Jeff Palermo has more on the school’s new zero tolerance policy against hazing…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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New Orleans Senator Troy Carter has filed a bill for the regular session that raises the age to purchase an assault rifle from 18 to 21. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Mason Dixon Polling and Strategy poll finds that Democrat Governor Edwards has a 55 percent approval rating. 31 percent disapprove and 14 percent answered they were unsure. But Pollster Brad Coker says the high approval rating doesn’t mean he’ll be re-elected in 2019, if his opponents are either House Majority Whip Steve Scalise or Republican Senator John Kennedy…

Cut 4  (11) “46-43.” 

Coker says his approval rating among Republicans may not mirror their feelings come Election Day…

Cut 5  (06)  “for him.”

Republican Ralph Abraham has been weighing whether or not he will make a run for the state’s highest office. Coker says his poll finds the U-S Representative would not do well in a head-to-head matcup with Governor Edwards…

Cut 6 (07)  “the state.”

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LSU’s new hazing policy calls for expulsions from campus for those who haze another student. Division of Student Affairs Kurt Keppler says System President F King Alexander did not want to leave a gray area where hazing is concerned and students found guilty of doing so will be banned from campus…

Cut 7 (05)  “a thing.”

Many of the new rules come from a task force that was formed after LSU student Maxwell Gruver died in an alleged hazing incident. Gruver had a blood alcohol content of .495. Keppler says as part of the new rules hard alcohol will no longer be allowed at on campus or off campus fraternity parties…

Cut 8 (08) “and wine.”

Keppler says fraternities will no longer be able to tailgate before home football games on the parade grounds, which they hope will eliminate fighting and other accusations of hazing that previously occurred…

Cut 9 (12)  “one knows.”

President F. King Alexander says the timeline to implement these recommendations is between now and the fall.

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The special session called to address a looming one-billion budget shortfall is on the verge of getting nothing accomplished. The House overwhelming rejected a sales tax bill that would have generated an additional 300-million in revenues.  Ruston Representative Rob Shadoin expressed disappointment over not coming together on a solution towards the state’s constant fiscal woes…

Cut 10 (10) “gotta stop”

Democrats strongly oppose this legislation that proposes a sales tax rate of  four and a quarter percent. Before the governor took office, the sales tax rate was four percent. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says he can’t support this bill, unless there are also changes to income tax brackets which would lead to higher wage earners paying more taxes…

Cut 11 (10) “in this state.”

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is bucking his Washington colleagues as he’s threatening to be the fly in the ointment on gun control. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Governor Edwards and Republican state senator Sharon Hewitt are calling on Secretary of State Tom Schedler to resign because of sexual harassment allegations. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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The small town of Urania in LaSalle Parish has landed a big sawmill that will create 110 jobs and an additional 300 indirect jobs. A joint venture by Hunt Forest Products and Tolko Industries will build a state of the art 115-million-dollar mill in the heart of the state’s 11-billion-dollar forest products industry. Mayor Terri Corley is thrilled they can use the former location of the old Louisiana-Pacific mill…

Cut 3 (06) “a sawmill.”

The mill will supply wood fiber and residuals to Drax Biomass, which occupies part of the property. The project will create 150 jobs when construction starts in April and is expected to be completed in early 2019. Corley hopes they can attract local workers who left after L-P closed…

Cut 4  (07) “to work.” 

The new mill will require 850-thousand tons of wood per year and produce 200-million board feet of lumber annually. Corley says her community is ready for the challenge…

Cut 5  (07)  “had before.”

Hunt is getting a performance based forgivable loan of one-million-dollars under a state program.

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Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says he will not support what he terms a “knee-jerk” reaction to additional gun control laws in the wake of the Florida shootings. Kennedy opposes a bill to modify the existing back-ground check systems for firearm purchases because he says that system is broken.

Cut 6 (10)  “doing nothing”

Kennedy sympathizes with the victims of the Florida shootings but will not, as he says, be sucked into a pro temporary gun-control law we don’t need.

Cut 7 (11)  “ones we have”

The proposed legislation does not expand background checks but rather requires officials to do a better job of screening. Kennedy says statistically speaking gun owners are not the problem.

Cut 8 (10) “danger to anyone”

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Parts of North Louisiana are bracing for more rain tonight into Thursday.  Flood Warnings have been issued for the Ouachita and Red Rivers until further notice. Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency for nine Parishes along those rivers due to flooding. Shreveport National Weather Service Forecaster Aaron Stevens says the area can’t take any more water…

Cut 9 (09) “real quickly.”

The Red River at Shreveport is above flood stage at nearly 32 feet, while downstream at Grand Ecore, it is over 35 feet and expected to hit 39 feet by Friday. Stevens says the forecast is dire for the area…

Cut 10 (10) “really fast.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Secretary of State Tom Schedler to resign immediately as a result of a lawsuit filed that accuses the state’s top election official of sexual harassment. Edwards says sexual harassment in the workplace should not be tolerated…

Cut 11 (06) “sexual harrassment.”

An employee in the Secretary of State’s office filed the harassment suit. Schedler  admits to what he calls a consensual relationship with the accuser.  Edwards says this issue goes beyond Schedler’s personal life.  The alleged incident casts doubt on the integrity of the Secretary of State’s Office …

Cut 12 (11) “to resign.”

Republican state senator Sharon Hewitt also believes Schedler should step down. Hewitt’s political consultant Jay Connaughton (Con-au-tin) says Hewitt wants to make sure this behavior is not tolerated…

Cut 13 (11) “by resigning”

Connaughton says Hewitt believes there will be a negative impact on the Secretary of State’s office if he remains…

Cut 14 (08) “is indefensible”

Hewitt is the first Republican asking for Schedler’s resignation. Schedler has no comment about the calls for his resignation.

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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.