Midnight tonight the special session must end as lawmakers work on a fix to the $304 million dollar mid-year deficit and how much of the state’s savings to use to help. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the House and Senate seem to be playing a game of chicken…:
CUT 14 (11) “or you don’t”
He says if the legislature doesn’t come up with something today, the governor could call them back for another special session, make cuts himself or deal with this in the April regular session.

$403 million dollars is what the Powerball jackpot has reached tonight. Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the state hasn’t had a big winner since 2013, but lots of other prizes have been won here…:
Cut 5 (10) “winners”
Tonight’s drawing has a cash value of $244 million.

Tulane University has issued a report which says the state’s stricter teacher tenure law has led to 1,700 public school teachers’ resignation. A law took effect in 2012 which linked job security of teachers to annual ratings based on student achievement. Before teachers earned job protection under tenure. Since the law, teacher exits rose 3.7 percent according to the report.

A new movie is being filmed in Monroe that highlights the importance of mentorship and fatherhood. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”.

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to come to an agreement on how many rainy day dollars to use to address a $304 million midyear deficit. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Powerball tonight is up to $403 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the last time we had a big winner in state was May 2013…:
CUT 6 (12) “or more”

Smokers who work for the state could be paying more for health insurance soon under a plan by the Office of Group Benefits. Chief executive officer Tommy Teague says a charge like the 50 dollar a month extra if you smoke is already common in the private sector..:
CUT 8 (10) “to implement”
He says individuals who receive health insurance through the state would be required to self-report if they are a smoker.

A movie is being filmed in Monroe that highlights the importance of mentorship and fatherhood. Executive Producer Rodney Ray says “Cowboy & Indiana” follows a troubled bull rider chasing a million dollar bounty on a killer bull. Ray says the biggest challenge they face during production in northeast Louisiana is filming the bulls…:
Cut 11 (11) “a unique challenge”
To learn more about “Cowboy & Indiana” and find out how to get involved, visit r2films.net.

It’s the final day of the special session and the major sticking point is how much of the rainy day fund to tap to resolve a $304 million midyear deficit. Governor Edwards and the Senate propose using $99 million from the state’s savings account, but LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says House Republicans want the Senate to pass a bill that frees up statutory dedications in future budgets…:
Cut 13 (09) “bend first”
The deadline to reach an agreement is midnight.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has reached a whopping 403 million dollars, with a cash value of 244 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this drawing is the 19th in the current run…:
Cut 4 (10) “Powerball frenzy”
She says this is the 10th largest Powerball jackpot ever.

The state Office of Group Benefits is considering a 50 dollar a month surcharge on health insurance premiums for state employees who use tobacco products. OGB chief executive officer Tommy Teague says individuals who receive health insurance through the state would be required to self-report if they are a smoker…:
Cut 7 (09) “random basis”
The proposal would need to receive approval from a legislative oversight committee.

The LSU men’s  basketball team is making history again, but not in the direction they’d like. The Tigers dropped its 14th straight last night, tying a school record, to Auburn 95-78. The only other times LSU lost this many in a row were in the in back-to-back seasons, 1965-66 and 1966-67.

The special session is entering its final hours and lawmakers are still working to reach a compromise on how many rainy day dollars to use versus cuts to resolve a $304 million midyear deficit. The Senate approved a plan that would tap $99 million from the state’s savings account. Senate President John Alario says it’s a fair compromise that would protect vital services from deep cuts…:
Cut 3 (08) “of this state”
The deal hinges on a plan by House Speaker Taylor Barras that would free up statutory dedicated funds in the future, including about $97 million next year.

The special session must end at midnight on Wednesday. Alario is hopeful lawmakers can reach a compromise…:
Cut 5 (07) “under that assumption”
It’s unclear what will happen if an agreement isn’t reached.

Governor Edwards has ordered a full investigation into recent out-of-state trips taken by State Police Troopers. Four troopers allegedly made unnecessary stops to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while attending a conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s too early to tell if this spells trouble for State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson…
cut 13 (11) “…happen”

Covington Representative Paul Hollis is working on legislation to recall politicians when voters become dissatisified with them….
cut 30 (10) “…it’s impossible”
Hollis says it’s his plan to bring a bill to the regular session that would require signatures from a certain percentage of voters who participated in the last election involving the recall target.

Governor John Bel Edwards orders a full investigation into trips made by State Police officers, amid a report 4 troopers took side excursions during a business trip on the taxpayer’s dime. The Division of Administration’s auditor will conduct the probe. Political analyst Clancy Dubos…:
cut 12 (10) “will show”
In response to the allegations, Col Mike Edmonson announced a number of disciplinary actions and policy changes.

Baton Rouge contractor Matthew Morris has been arrested again on allegations he defrauded August flood victims. Morris was first arrested in Ascension Parish and then Baton Rouge police took him into custody today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says unfortantely accusations of fraud are common after natural disasters…
cut 8 (10) “…to see this happening”

State lawmakers are trying to agree to a plan that would close a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tonia Cain, the wife of former Avoyellyes Correctional Center warden, Nate Cain, turned herself in to authorities today. It’s alleged Tonia ordered the destruction of records after 30-thousand dollars from prison concession sales went missing. Avoyelles D-A Charles Riddle…
cut 16 (06) “….lightly”
Tonia’s attorney says her client is cooperating with the investigation.

Governor John Bel Edwards has ordered a full investigation into trips conducted by members of the State Police. It was discovered that four troopers used taxpayer dollars to fund unnecessary stops to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon during a recent business trip. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it will be interesting to see what comes out of this investigation…
cut 14 (11) “….the consequences”

Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, announces it’s purchasing Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for one-point-eight billion dollars. Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa believes Restaurant Brands will aggressively expand Popeyes to get a big return on their investment…
cut 11 (09) “…like it”
Popeyes was founded in New Orleans in 1972.

State lawmakers have until midnight Wednesday to agree on a plan to close a 304-million dollar midyear deficit. The Senate is pushing the House to approve the use of 99-million dollars of the rainy day fund, while House leaders want the Senate to approve a bill that could possibly take money away from the Transportation Trust Fund and TOPS to fund other areas of the budget. Senate President John Alario….
cut 4 (08) “…make it work”

The former Avoyelles Correctional Center’s business manager has turned herself in after being indicted on charges of malfeasance and theft. Avoyelles District Attorney Charles Riddle says an arrest warrant for Tonia Cain was issued after her January indictment.
cut 15 (07) “…in April”
A legislative audit alleges Cain, who is the daughter in law of former Angola Warden Burl Cain, told a prison employee to shred public records after $30-thousand in concession sales went missing.

Governor Edwards has ordered a full investigation into recent out-of-state trips taken by State Police Troopers. Four troopers allegedly made unnecessary stops to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while attending a conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s too early to tell if this spells trouble for State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson…
cut 13 (11) “…happen”

A Baton Rouge contractor was arrested again accused of defrauding flood victims. Matthew Morris was was taken into custody by Baton Rouge Police. He was previously arrested by the Ascension Sheriff’s office and he’s wanted in Livingston Parish too. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the Attorney General will likely consolidate Morris’ charges…
cut 7 (09) “…these cases”

Restaurant Brands International, the owner of Burger King, has placed a 1.8 billion dollar bid to buy Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

The wife of the former warden of the Avoyelles Correctional Center has turned hereself in to authorities. Tonia Cain was indicted last month on charges of theft, malfeasance and injuring public records. She was the prison’s business manager until she resigned last May. Tonia Cain is also the daughter-in-law of former Angola Prison warden Burl Cain.

State lawmakers are moving close to agreeing to a plan that would close a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The owners of Burger King could soon be in the fried chicken market, as Restaurant Brands International says they’re buying Popeyes for 1.8 billion dollars. Tulane Business Professor Dr. Mark Rosa says clearly the company feels Popeyes has a bright future…:
Cut 9 (09) “healthy premium”
Popeyes was founded in New Orleans in 1972.

Governor John Bel Edwards says his office is investigating State Police amid a recent report 4 troopers took side excursions during a business trip on the taxpayer’s dime. The Division of Administration’s auditor is going to conduct a full investigation into travel from State Police. Political analyst Clancy Dubos…:
cut 12 (10) “will show”
In response to the allegations against the troopers in question, Col Mike Edmonson announced a number of disciplinary actions and policy changes that will take place.

Senate President John Alario announces the special election to fill the District 2 seat vacated by former Senator Troy Brown has been set for April 29th. Brown resigned after some fellow members filed resolutions seeking to expel him over physical violence convictions against a girlfriend and wife. The qualifying period for the special election will be March 15-17.

Could lawmakers be getting closer to agreeing on a deal that would close the state’s $304 million dollar budget deficit? The special session must end tomorrow at midnight. Senate President John Alario is hopeful lawmakers are close to reaching a compromise…:
Cut 5 (07) “under that assumption”
The Senate approved a plan that would tap $99 million from the Rainy Day Fund, a deal that hinges on a plan by House Speaker Taylor Barras that would free up statutory dedicated funds in the future.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis plans to propose a bill for the regular session that would make it easier to remove a politician from office. He says it currently takes signatures from 33-percent of a jurisdiction’s registered voters…:
Cut 10 (08) “in that election”
There’s currently an effort to recall Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni after a sexting scandal with 17-year-old boy.

A Baton Rouge contractor is now facing a slew of charges in multiple parishes after allegedly scamming dozens of August flood victims. Baton Rouge Police say the owner of Complete Construction, Matthew Morris, was booked on offenses including home improvement fraud, theft of assets of an aged person, and exploitation of the infirmed. Legal analyst Tim Meche says there’s a chance Morris won’t serve any jail time…:
Cut 6 (11) “some jail time”
Today’s arrest comes less than two weeks after Morris was booked in Ascension Parish amid allegations he scammed 13 flood victims.

In the final two days of the special session, lawmakers are close to reaching a compromise on how many rainy day dollars to use versus what cuts to make to resolve a $304 million midyear deficit. The Senate approved a plan that would tap $99 million from the state’s savings account. Senate President John Alario says it’s a fair compromise that would protect vital services from deep cuts…:
Cut 3 (08) “of this state”
The deal hinges on a plan by House Speaker Taylor Barras that would free up statutory dedicated funds in the future, including about $97 million next year.

Alario today issued a proclamation calling for a special election to fill the District 2 seat left open by embattled former Senator Troy Brown. The general election is slated to be held on April 29th of this year, with qualifying taking place March 15th-17th. Brown resigned amid calls for his expulsion from the Senate due to two separate physical violence convictions.

DOTD needs an additional $700 million annual investment for the state’s transportation needs, according to Secretary Shawn Wilson.:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has officially been acquired by Restaurant Brands International, the same company that owns Burger King, for $1.8 billion dollars. Restaurant Brands International CEO Daniel Schwartz said Popeyes is a powerful brand with a rich Louisiana heritage that resonates with guests around the world. The chicken chain was founded in New Orleans in 1972.