It’s possible the special session ends tonight with legislators unable to come to an agreement on how to generate revenues to address a looming one-billion dollar shortfall. The special session must end by midnight Wednesday night, but Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says it’s disappointing they couldn’t come to an agreement on a plan to address the fiscal cliff…
cut 5 (05) “…the public”

The Louisiana School Board Association was hoping the state legislature would have enough to provide public schools with a 2.75 percent increase in state funding. Scott Richard is the executive director of the L-S-B-A….
cut 11 (07) “…the state”
Richard says schools are seeking more money to provide better security and safety for the students.

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.”

The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s office has released more information about the severed head found on the shoulder of Highway 27, south of Hackberry. Based on forensic testing, it’s believed the victim is a white female between the ages of 25 and 50, with auburn or brown hair. The victim also had a lot of dental work done and not apparent trauma to the skull.

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.”

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, was there for the vote

Cut 12 (09) “70 vote”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Authorities are investigating the finding of a severed head in Cameron Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

A tax bill that might have helped reach a deal to avoid the state’s fiscal cliff missed passage by only three votes on Friday. House Representative Rob (SHAD-UH-WIN) Shadoin had asked his fellow lawmakers to put aside party politics and vote for the legislation…

Cut 13 (06) “her people”

The opportunity for legislators to avoid the fiscal cliff is getting tight. Wednesday is the last day of the special session.

February’s rainfall in North Louisiana set a record going back to the 1870’s. Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Matthew Duplantis says it’s no wonder the lakes, rivers and creeks are at or above flood stage…

Cut 11 (10) “zero inches.”

Duplantis says there’s so much water now in the area, experts are concerned the over saturated ground won’t be able to handle any more

A movie filmed in Louisiana might just win Oscar gold on Sunday night. “Mudbound” was filmed in New Orleans and St. James parish. Music superstar Mary J. Blige has two nominations, one for best supporting actress in the film and also for original song for “Mighty River” for the movie.
Blige recently performed live in concert on Valentine’s day in Baton Rouge and was given the key to the city. The singer and actress has sold 75 million records and already has a Grammy award. “Mudbound” is also nominated for best adapted screenplay. The Academy Awards ceremony will air live on the ABC network this Sunday evening.

A new report finds the majority of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit for military service. The Pentagon reports that over 70 percent of Americans aged 17 to 24 cannot join the United States military. The percentage in Louisiana is 75 percent. Admiral David Callahan says there are many reasons.
Cut 3 (:14) “another 3rd.”

That Pentagon report estimates that nationwide 26 million young Americans would not meet the requirements to serve in the United States military.
Iberia parish Sheriff Louis Ackal says Courtland Hall was shot and killed by 26-year-old Akeam Daniels. The sheriff says it was a crime of passion…

Cut 6 (11) “month old.”

Akeam Daniels is described as a black male, five-foot-ten, 155-pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The challenge state lawmakers face will continue over the weekend. Partisan bickering is complicating efforts to address a one billion dollar fiscal shortfall. Emotions ran high on Friday and a vote to pass a budget bill fell just three votes short of passing. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh an outspoken critic of higher taxes spoke out against the legislation. Seabaugh says Louisiana residents are already paying higher taxes, because the federal tax overhaul changed Louisiana’s witholding tables, which means the state is collecting more tax money from its citizens

Cut 15 (11) “be doing”

The legislation would have increased state revenues by an 79-million dollars according to projections. Seabaugh says the measure is bad tax policy….

Cut 16 (11) “thank you”

And the Pelicans put their seven game winning streak on the line tomorrow night at Dallas.

A report says 75 percent of Louisiana’s young people are un-fit to serve in the military. Jim Shannon has the reaction from a retired Louisiana Marine General.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

An income tax bill described as the linchpin towards reaching an overall deal towards closing a looming a one-billion dollar budget shortfall failed on the House floor on Friday. Ruston Representative Rob (SHAD_UH_WIN) Shadoin asked his colleagues to put aside party politics and vote for the legislation…

Cut 13 (06) “her people”

Lawmakers are schedule to reconvene the session on Sunday afternoon with hopes of resolving the state budget gap before the special session ends on Wednesday.

Authorities charged a Baton Rouge man with 300 counts of pornography involving juveniles. Raekwon Donzelle Reed, age 24, was booked in parish prison after a search of his West Wendover Drive home found several phones. Those phones found had videos and images of juveniles in sexual acts. The Advocate reports that Reed admitted knowing there was child pornography on his account for a file sharing website.

Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Matthew Duplantis says there concerns about flooding in North Louisiana due to excessive rainfall. He says the rivers won’t have enough of a break before getting into the time of year when the most rain typically hits…

Cut 12 (06) “active weather.”

February’s rainfall in North Louisiana set a record going back to the 1870’s. Flood warnings remain in effect for the Mississippi river, the Ouachita river and Red Rivers until further notice.

The Louisiana House of Representatives will continue their struggle to avoid the tumbling off a fiscal cliff when they meet on Sunday afternoon at 5 pm. The weekend duty is a scramble to address a one billion dollar budget short fall. Failure to agree on a revenue solution will force severe budget cuts that could mean less money for TOPS, higher education, and hospitals. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton made this plea during Friday’s session.

Cut 14 (09) “back home”

The special session ends on Wednesday.

Authorities are investigating the finding of a severed head in Cameron Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

February’s rainfall in North Louisiana set a record going back to the 1870’s. Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Matthew Duplantis says it’s no wonder the lakes, rivers and creeks are at or above flood stage…

Cut 11 (10) “zero inches.”

Duplantis says there’s so much water now in the area, experts are concerned the over saturated ground won’t be able to handle any more.

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are among the lawmakers urging the Interior Department to expand offshore oil leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. A letter was drafted to the U.S. Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke to consider. The Outer Continental Shelf Draft Proposed Program plans leases from the 2019 to 2024.

The LSU baseball team dominated Toledo 8-1 last night meanwhile today the LSU men’s basketball team closes out its regular season as they host Mississippi State at noon.