For the first time since 2009, the LSU Tigers will take on the UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. Kelley Ray has a look at the upcoming first round NIT matchup…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

House and Senate committees are meeting today to discuss legislation that if adopted would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current budgetary law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter says the world has changed substantially since Louisiana’s last constitutional convention in 1974. He says the state needs to adapt to new economic realities.

Cut 5 (08) “any more”
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If the legislature decides to cut its way through the billion dollar budget gap, private health care providers warn the consequences would be dire. If the Department of Health sustains the kinds of cuts being discussed, public-private facilities would be on the chopping block. Our Lady of the Lake President Scott Wester says that would end care for tens of thousands of patients with a variety of health issues.

Cut 11 (11) “Baton Rouge”

Livingson Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says 43-year-old Ricardo Diaz shot and killed 31-year-old Lydia Johnson in Walker, then led police on a chase to the Mississippi River Bridge and jumped. Both left behind seven children.

Ard encourages anyone in an abusive relationship to work closely with them in putting measures in place to help prevent tragedies such as what occurred this week…

Cut 15 (09) “be done.”

Health care providers are spelling out exactly what would happen if the legislature cuts its way to a balanced budget. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

House and Senate committees are meeting today to discuss legislation that if adopted would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current budgetary law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, who has proposed his own bill to tackle the issue, says it’s time to bring our government into 2018.

Cut 4 (07) “21st century”
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Authorities say 43-year-old Ricardo Diaz shot and killed 31-year-old Lydia Johnson in Walker, then led police on a chase to the Mississippi River Bridge and jumped. Both left behind seven children. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says there are times even when a restraining order is in place, the victim becomes too scared to notify police if the person they are trying to avoid continues to harass them…

Cut 14 (07) “restraining order.”

The Ragin Cajuns basketball team seems ready for tonight’s 6 PM N-I-T match-up between UL-Lafayette and LSU.

This will be the 47th meeting on the hardwood between the two south Louisiana schools, but it’s the first time they’ve played each other since 2009. Cajuns coach Bob Marlin says he’s tried to schedule LSU more often and even tried to get the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches involved…

Cut 8 (11) “that either.”

Interest is growing in the legislature for a constitutional convention. Matt Doyle reports,

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

If the legislature decides to cut its way through the billion dollar budget gap, private health care providers warn the consequences would be dire. If the Department of Health sustains the kinds of cuts being discussed, public-private facilities would be on the chopping block. Our Lady of the Lake President Scott Wester says those cuts would mean the end of their partnership with the state, LSU, and LDH.

Cut 10 (07) “our agreement.”
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Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard urges persons in an abusive relationship to have a restraining protection order in place. Authorities say 43-year-old Ricardo Diaz shot and killed 31-year-old Lydia Johnson in Walker, then led police on a chase to the Mississippi River Bridge and jumped. Both left behind seven children. Ard says sadly this case ended in tragedy even with a protective order in place, but it normally gives police an extra layer of defense…

Cut 13 (08) “arrest someone.”
The Ragin Cajuns basketball team seems ready for tonight’s 6 PM N-I-T match-up between UL-Lafayette and LSU. Cajuns coach Bob Marlin says it’s great to play in Baton Rouge, but he believes they should have been seeded higher than LSU and the home team…

Cut 7 (11) “32 teams.”

The Pelicans ended a two-game losing streak with a 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets last night. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 14 rebounds. Jrue Holiday had 25 points and Rajon Rondo (Rah-zhon Ron-dough) had 17 assists. The Pels are at San Antonio Thursday,

A spicy NIT matchup takes place tonight as the Tigers welcome the Cajuns to the Maravich Center for a 6 PM tip. It’s the first meeting between the two in-state foes since 2009. U-L Coach Bob Marlin says it’s sad it took the N-I-T committee to finally put these two schools together…

Cut 9 (12) “…be honest”

And last night in the NIT, St. Mary’s eliminated Southeastern Louisiana XXXXX. The Lions finish with a 22-12 record.

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NFL teams can sign free agents later today. New Orleans re-signed quarterback Drew Brees to a reported two-year deal for 50 million dollars. But there will not be a Brees-Jimmy Graham reunion. The pass catching tight-end will reportedly ink a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers today.

The next playmaker for LSU’s offense is Jonathan Giles. The wide receiver sat out last season after transferring in from Texas Tech. Even though he didn’t play a game last season, he impressed the coaches enough that he’s wearing number seven, an iconic number in Tiger Town over the last decade. Giles says it’s an honor…

Cut 18 (19) “….be here”

In college baseball, Northwestern State crushed ULM 14-3, Louisiana Tech lost to Little Rock 2-1 in 12 innings. And McNeese rallied to Houston 7-6.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has a warning for legislators; you can’t cut your way out to avoid going off the fiscal cliff…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a reported 50-million-dollar, two-year-deal, with the Saints. Saints radio color analyst Deuce McAllister says in actuality it’s a one year deal as there’s a team option after the first year…
Cut 8 (08) “been made.”
Sources say Brees will receive 27-million dollars in guaranteed money.

Baton Rouge area Law enforcement are saddened over the death of a Zachary firefighter and reserve police officer Christopher Lawton. The 41-year-old was killed while on duty in an hit and run last night..
cut 13 (11) “…police department”
East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says a man and woman have been arrested and charged in connection with Lawton’s death.

Governor John Bel Edwards was in St. Joseph today to unveil a new water plant. The small town in Tensas Parish had been under a perpetual public health emergency declaration because of brown colored tap water. Those days are now gone according to governor’s communications director Shauna Sanford.
Cut 5 (12) “the community.”
The project cost over 8-million dollars and it was funded by state and federal dollars.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning lawmakers they can NOT cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. Dardenne testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee today and reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so a special session can be called to raise revenue to close a large budget gap. Dardenne has a challenge for lawmakers who disagree.
Cut 14 (07) “the budget.”
House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry has expressed optimism they can pass a budget while making large cuts.

Governor John Bel Edwards is once again calling on the legislature to approve a higher minimum wage. Edwards says the current minimum wage isn’t fair to workers.
Cut 28 (11) “two years”
Business groups say the market should set wages, not government.

House and Senate committees will meet Wednesday to discuss legislation that would trigger a constitutional convention. Much of the interest is due to the state’s current law that restricts cuts to only higher ed and health care when faced with a budget deficit. Senator Troy Carter, is one of several lawmakers calling for a constitutional convention.
Cut 30 (08) “21st century”
1974 was the last time Louisiana had a constitutional convention.

School safety will be a topic in this legislative session. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has a bill that would make it legal for a student to bring a bulletproof backpack to school. Walsworth says they cost anywhere between 150 to 200 dollars on the internet….
cut 29 (08) “…specially made”
Walsworth says his legislation is a quick way to provide added safety for students.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is warning that lawmakers will not be able to cut their way to a balanced budget for next fiscal year. He reiterated the governor’s call to wrap up the regular session in early May, so that a special session that addresses revenue can be called to tackle the fiscal cliff. He says he’s already seeing the effects of the legislature’s inability to find a budget deal

Cut 16  (12)  “to them”

Residents of the small town of St. Joseph in Tensas parish are soaked with joy over a new water system that goes on-line today. Governor John Bel Edwards is in St. Joseph to celebrate. Shauna Sanford is the Governor’s communications director.

Cut 3 (11) “something about.”

Star quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a 50-million-dollar two-year-deal with the saints. A reported 27-million-dollars is guaranteed. After just coming up short in making it to the NFC Championship Game, Saints analyst and former running back Deuce McAlister says Brees feels like the team still has a chance of making it to the Super Bowl

Cut 10 (10) “more guys.”

Reserve Zachary Police Officer 41-year-old Christopher Lawton was killed after two suspects allegedly ran over him in a Wal Mart parking lot in Baker. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton was trying to make an arrest when the suspects fled the scene.

Cut 11 (10) “the scene.”

Lawton was attempting to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has a warning for legislators; you can’t cut your way out to avoid going off the fiscal cliff…..
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A federal appeals court in New Orleans heard arguments today on whether construction should resume on the Bayou Bridge Pipeline in the Atchafalaya Basin. Environmental groups argue the project will result in irreversible environmental damage. The company says they have received blessing from the Corps of Engineers to construct the pipeline in the swamp.

Zachary firefighter and reserve police officer Christopher Lawton is being labeled as a hero today after he was killed last night while in the line of duty. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Lawton and another Zachary police officer were working undercover in an effort to arrest 33-year-old Albert Franklin…
cut 12 (07) “…suspect”
Gautreaux says Lawton was killed when Franklin hit him with a U-Haul truck as he fled from a Walmart parking lot in Baker. Franklin and another woman were arrested.

Louisiana State Police say a 12-year-old shot and killed his seven-year-old brother in Lake Providence Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the two youngsters were together when the shooting occurred. They are still investigating how the older juvenile got a hold of a weapon…
Cut 6 (11) “old juvenile.”
Six children were at home at the time of the shooting while their mother was at work.