Louisiana is urging President Donald Trump to use his executive authority to cut the red tape so construction can begin on five coastal restoration projects. Executive director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, Johnny Bradberry, says two of the projects are sediment diversion, others prevent saltwater intrusion into our marshes, and another introduces freshwater into the Maurepas Swamp…
cut 15 (11) “…three years”
Bradberry says these projects are vital to Louisiana’s way of life along the coast.

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association launches the “Fight for Film” campaign. It’s an effort to get the state legislature to make changes to the state’s film tax credit program, because right now there’s no guarantee a movie-maker will receive tax credits.

A new report finds fewer overweight Americans are trying to lose weight and the obesity rate is highest for black women at 55-percent. Researchers go on to say that it’s becoming more acceptable to be fat. But Rudy Macklin, director of the governor’s office of physical fitness and sports, says income and family environment prevent people from losing weight…
cut 12 (1) “…one job”

According to latest numbers from the C-D-C, the rate of newborns born with congenital syphilis is higher in Louisiana than the rest of the nation’s. Dr. DeAnn Gruber, with the state office of public health, says they are doing interventions, provider outreach, and education to decrease the rate of syphilis and it looks like their methods are paying off…
cut 9 (09) “….number decrease”

A study finds only 49-percent of obese Americans say they are trying to lose weight, down from 55-percent….
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana has sent President Trump five coastal protection projects that they hope he will use his executive authority to make happen as soon as possible….
cut 14 (10) “…these projects”
That’s Johnny Bradberry, executive director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association annual conference is taking place in Lake Charles and there’s hope the industry is starting to rebound after a two year recession. LOGA Vice President Gifford Briggs says with a new President and prices rebounding, it’s time for energy companies to start making investments…
cut 5 (11) “…those investments”
Briggs says Exxon’s recent announcement of 20-billion dollar investment along the Gulf Coast is a good sign.

According to the C-D-C, 83 out of every 100-thousand babies are born with congenital syphillis in Louisiana, which is higher than the nationwide rate. Doctor DeAnn Gruber, with the state office of public health, says in 2014 the legislature passed a law that requires women to get tested for diseases throughout their pregnancies…
cut 8 (12) “…that’s needed”
Newborns with C-S could have rashes, an enlarged liver or spleet or deformed bones.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association hosts their annual summit today in Lake Charles with a new hope for the future. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Governor Edwards sent a letter to President Trump asking him to cut the red tape so Louisiana can get started on five major coastal restoration projects. Executive Director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, Johnny Bradberry…
cut 13 (07) “…to do these”
The money is coming from B-P as a result of the 2010 oil spill.

There’s a new study that finds the percentage of obese Americans who are attempting to lose weight is falling and researchers wonder if it’s becoming acceptable to be overweight. The executive director of the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Rudy Macklin, disagrees. He attributes the decline in people losing weight to busy schedules…
cut 11 (11) “…things like that”
The nationwide study found the obesity rate is highest for black women with 55-percent being obese.

The LSU Tigers were eliminated last night from the SEC Tournament and it’s expected that Athletic Director Joe Alleva will fire coach Johnny Jones after a 10-21 season.

A Baton Rouge homeowner who killed an intruder at his home will not face charges. Police say 40-year-old Anthony Gordon was armed with a gun when he entered the home and was shot by the homeowner. DA Hillar Moore says Louisiana law allows homeowners to use lethal force to defend themselves.

Cut 5 (07) “every case”
Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene.

A proposal approved by BESE means K-12 schools in Louisiana won’t be seeing an increase in state funding. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, Scott Richard, says federal funding is also in a decline, which leaves local school districts to pick up the lion’s share of the costs.

Cut 7 (10) “serious concern”
BESE blames budget problems for the lack of funding hikes.

A federal judge in New Orleans once again blocks a state law that makes the minimum age to be an exotic dancer 21-years-old. Three strippers filed suit after the state legislature passed the legislation last year and their attorney is Harry Rosenberg.

Cut 12 (07) “vague”
Rosenberg says the ruling ensures the law will not go into effect until this case goes to trial.

The Johnny Jones era at LSU could be coming to a close. As the Tigers basketball team only won two SEC games this season. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva has money to spend and should be willing to invest in a good basketball coach.

Cut 11 (08) “head coaches”

Worsham says Jones could be fired once LSU is eliminated from the SEC tournament.

No charges are expected to be filed against a Baton Rouge man who fatally shot an intruder at his home. Authorities say 40-year-old Anthony Gordon was shot and killed by the homeowner, after forcing his way into the house. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says the homeowner had every right to defend his home.

Cut 3 (10) “something wrong”

Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene.

A federal judge in New Orleans blocked a state law that requires strippers to be at least 21 years old. Three strippers went to court to fight the rule, and their attorney Harry Rosenberg says the ruling ensures the law will not go into effect until this case goes to trial at a later date.

Cut 13 (09) “from dancing”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase state funding for shools. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, Scott Richard, says state funding for public schools is at a standstill.

Cut 6 (09) “funding formula”

Richard says the cost of operating a school is going up, but funding is not.

LSU Basketball Coach Johnny Jones is expected to be fired this week, once the Tigers are eliminated from the SEC Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the biggest problem with Jones is his inability to get more out of last year’s talented players like Ben Simmons.

Cut 10 (11) “program’s reputation”

A federal judge once again blocks a state law that would prohibit women under 21-years-old from exotic dancing. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (27) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish says the proposal the House GOP has laid out to replace President Barack Obama’s health care law will put patients back in charge of their health care decisions. Representative Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says Obamacare must be repealed, but significant questions have been raised about the replacement plan.

Police say a Baton Rouge homeowner fatally shot an armed man who was attempting to break into a home in the five-hundred block of Carr Alley. Authorities say 40-year-old Anthony Gordon Junior was shot at 1:30 this morning and pronounced dead a short time later. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar More says an investigation into the shooting is underway…
cut 4 (05) “…justified shooting”
Gordon has previously been charged for burglary.

It appears the coaching days of Johnny Jones are coming to an end. Jones has been the head basketball coach at LSU since 2012, where he won more games in his first four years than any other basketball coach in the school’s history. But the team failed to make the NCAA Tournament last year and this season, they only won two SEC games:
Cut 9 (07) “basketball”
That’s Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham. LSU faces Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament tonight.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase funding for public schools. Jeff Palermo has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards sent President Donald Trump a list of potential coastal projects to consider in the state as the president is pushing for the development of new infrastructure. Edwards says the projects would help Louisiana become more resilient from floods and hurricanes, while protecting production in the energy sector.

 
A federal judge once again blocked a state law prohibiting women under 21-year-old from exotic dancing. Three strippers aged 18 to 20 filed suit and their attorney Harry Rosenberg says their argument was the law prohibited the women from expressing their right to free speech through dance. He says the basis for the ruling granting the injunction stemmed from the broad nature of the law.
cut 14 (11) “broad”

The Johnny Jones era at LSU could be coming to a close. The Tigers basketball team failed to make the NCAA tournament last year and they’ve only won two SEC games this season. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva has money to spend and should be willing to invest in a good basketball coach….
cut 11 (08) “head coaches”

Worsham says Jones is expected to be fired once LSU is eliminated from this week’s SEC tournament.