The newscall has been updated after the House approved the cigarette tax. 

Lawmakers are filing bills for the regular session that will make changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle announced today he’s joining the race for the 3rd Congressional District seat. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A man accused of being a member of the Gremlins street gang turned himself in to police late Wednesday, Abbeville Chief Tony Hardy said. He says 22-year-old Cody Guidry of Abbeville is one of 17 people indicted in connection with a lengthy multi-agency investigation into gang activity near Abbeville and three other parishes in South Central Louisiana….:

CUT 3 (06)  “9:30″

The gang is accused of operating in Acadia, Lafayette, Vermilion and St. Martin parishes. Five of the suspected members are still at large. Hardy says these men face many charges related to criminal street gang violations…:

CUT 4 (04)  “to racketeering”

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Lawmakers have started filing bills for the regular session to change the TOPS scholarship program. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says he has filed about a dozen TOPS-related bills, one of which would raise the requirements to qualify for the scholarship.

CUT 5 (09)  “to the plate”

Morrish says one of his bills seeks to raise the GPA requirement for TOPS award from a 2.5 to a 2.75 and the ACT score from a 20 to a 21. The Senate Education Chairman has also filed legislation so that TOPS would no longer cover at 100-pecent a student’s tuition….

CUT 6 (09) “becoming law”

Morrish says lawmakers attempted to cap the amount of the dollars going to TOPS last year, but the bill was vetoed by former-Governor Bobby Jindal.  Morrish says legislators also would like to address the situation of TOPS students dropping out without graduating…

CUT 7 (04) “forgiven”

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It appears the budget stalemate could be over. It started with the Senate Finance committee laying out its plans for addressing the state’s 900-million dollar budget shortfall this fiscal year. Chairman Eric LaFleur says through a combination of tax increases and budget cuts, they can close the deficit, if the House agrees to pass more tax bills that will generate an additional 83-million dollars

CUT 8 (06) “on Monday”

Shortly after the Senate Finance panel met, the House began approving bills to increase revenue, including a measure that would raise the state’s cigarette tax by another 22-cents, to a $1.08 a pack. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative, Walt Leger…

CUT 9 (12) “this product” 

The special session must end March 9th. It’s likely a conference committee will be needed to iron out differences between the House and Senate when it comes to cuts and taxes. But Senate President John Alario likes the direction that budget talks are heading…

cut 10 (07)  “to it”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle announced today he’s joining the race for the 3rd Congressional District seat. He joins five other Republicans looking for the spot being vacated by Congressman Charles Boustany who’s running for US Senate. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says, now that it’s official, Angelle becomes the clear favorite…:

Cut 11 (09) “front of the line”

Other announced candidates include former state lawmaker Brett Geymann of Lake Charles, Lafayette School board member Erick Knezek (Nee-Zick), oil company executive Lt. Col Gregory Ellison, Lafayette businessman Gus Rantz IV and retired US ambassador Grover Joseph Rees. Cross says with such a crowded field, candidates will need to identify strongly with the region…:

cut 12 (11) “holds dear”

Cross says even though Angelle becomes the clear front runner, it’s still anyone’s race. He says it’ll depend on how attractive the candidates are..:

cut 13 (08)  “campaign”

===========================================================

UL-Lafayette will have to vacate 22 football games between 2011 and 2014, as a result of a two-year NCAA Committee investigation. The committee determined that a former assistant coach falsified ACT scores for five students, meaning those students were ineligible to play. Games involving ineligible players led to vacating those victories. Jay Walker, the voice of the Ragin Cajuns, says he understands the committee’s ruling.

cut 14 (11)  “there are penalties”

Eight victories from the 2011 season, four from 2012, eight from 2013 and two from 2014 will be vacated, including two New Orleans Bowl championships in 2011 and 2013 and the 2013 Sun Belt Conference championship. Walker says the school accepts the penalties and moves on.

cut 15 (06) “move forward” 

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Marco Rubio cancelled his rally in Baton Rouge Friday.

Scientists say the damage from the BP oil spill has significantly diminished since 2010. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The presidential primary is heating up in the wake of Super Tuesday. Louisiana’s primary is Saturday, and it could be a vital state for the candidates. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

With only seven days left in the special legislative session, lawmakers are still working to solve the state’s 950 million dollar deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Scientists say the damage caused by the BP oil spill has drastically diminished since 2010. LSU Chemistry Professor Edward Overton says biologists studying the spill’s impacts in Louisiana’s wetlands have seen how the composition has changed from heavily oiled patterns back to normal wetlands.

cut 4  (10)  “2015”

Overton says an oil spill is similar to a car wreck, the most damage comes when the cars hit and the rest is the process of recovery. He says the 2010 BP spill was a huge environmental disaster, but it has been slowly mending itself ever since…

Cut 5  (10)  “to normal”

 Overton says although there’s been progress, we’ve seen land loss and extreme stress placed on animals. But he says he’s surprised it only took five years to see this type of improvement…

Cut 6 (09)  “that oil” 

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s presidential primary is Saturday March 5, so what kind of impact will Bayou State voters have on who receives the Republican and Democratic nomination? ULM Political Science professor Joshua Stockley says Louisiana will be a critical state for the candidates, especially for Republicans.

CUT 7 (08)  “Marco Rubio”

Three Republican candidates remain, as Ben Carson has dropped out of the race. Stockley says the Louisiana delegates are crucial for Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, if they hope to beat Donald Trump. All three Republican candidates planned to be in Louisiana Friday.

Cut 8  (08)  “the nomination”

Cruz will be in Mandeville and Trump will be in New Orleans. Stockley says Democrats in Louisiana will probably support Hilary Clinton, but Trump is not a slam dunk in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (04)  “at this point”

Stockley says Louisiana doesn’t have enough suburban areas to give Rubio the kind of support he’s been drawing in other parts of the country. Rubio cancelled his visit to Baton Rouge Friday.

______________________________________

There are seven days left in the special legislative session and lawmakers still are at odds over the best way to address the 940 million dollar budget deficit for this fiscal year. Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com (lapolitics.com) says there has been repeated delays on many tax votes, but there should be some movement hopefully this afternoon…

Cut 10 (10) “fiscal year”

Alford says the governor is worried that if lawmakers can’t come up with a solution, another special session will be needed.

cut 11 (09) “history”

Alford says if the House is unable to send over any additional revenue, then Governor Edwards will be left to make more cuts. Meanwhile the House is waiting to see what the Senate does with its proposal to cut 106 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. He says right now it’s like the House and Senate are playing a game of chicken…

cut 12 (09) “budget bill”

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Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur, a Democrat from Ville Platte, says House Bill 122 on budget cuts will pass out of his committee Thursday. He says once that happens, more decisions can be made on the state’s deficit…:

Cut 13 (07)  “them in place”

After several days of holding off on any tax votes, the full House convenes at 1pm this afternoon and measures to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are on the agenda. LaFleur says there is nothing worse than being in a political office and having to vote on either a tax increase, or cutting spending in areas that are important to the people…:

Cut 14 (09)  “rightfully so” 

The lower chamber was waiting to see what the Senate would do with cuts before voting on tax measures. LaFleur says everyone will know a lot more after today. He says it’s helped that Governor John Bel Edwards has been meeting with many lawmakers on these issues which is something they’re not used to…:

Cut 15 (10) “make it all happen” 

________________________________________________________

The ULM basketball team goes for its eighth straight win tonight as the Warhawks host Georgia Georgia Southern at Seven PM at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. ULM’s winning streak is the fifth longest in the nation and Coach Keith Richard talks about what has gone right

Cut 16  (19)  “responded“

ULM has two more regular season games left and then they’ll compete in the Sun Belt Tournament as the number two seed. Richard says they want to keep building momentum heading into next week’s conference tourney in New Orleans…

Cut 17 (19)   right now”

Richard says he also wants to send the seniors out on a winning note…

Cut 18 (10) “like to be”

Scientists say the damage from the BP oil spill has significantly diminished since 2010. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 The presidential primary is heating up in the wake of Super Tuesday. Louisiana’s primary is Saturday, and it could be a vital state for the candidates. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

With only seven days left in the special legislative session, lawmakers are still working to solve the state’s 950 million dollar deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Scientists say the damage caused by the BP oil spill has drastically diminished since 2010. LSU Chemistry Professor Edward Overton says biologists studying the spill’s impacts in Louisiana’s wetlands have seen how the composition has changed from heavily oiled patterns back to normal wetlands.

cut 4  (10)  “2015”

Overton says an oil spill is similar to a car wreck, the most damage comes when the cars hit and the rest is the process of recovery. He says the 2010 BP spill was a huge environmental disaster, but it has been slowly mending itself ever since…

Cut 5  (10)  “to normal”

 Overton says although there’s been progress, we’ve seen land loss and extreme stress placed on animals. But he says he’s surprised it only took five years to see this type of improvement…

Cut 6 (09)  “that oil” 

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s presidential primary is Saturday March 5, so what kind of impact will Bayou State voters have on who receives the Republican and Democratic nomination? ULM Political Science professor Joshua Stockley says Louisiana will be a critical state for the candidates, especially for Republicans.

CUT 7 (08)  “Marco Rubio”

Three Republican candidates remain, as Ben Carson has dropped out of the race. Stockley says the Louisiana delegates are crucial for Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, if they hope to beat Donald Trump. All three Republican candidates will be in Louisiana Friday.

Cut 8  (08)  “the nomination”

Cruz will be in Mandeville, Rubio will be in Baton Rouge, and Trump will be in New Orleans. Stockley says Democrats in Louisiana will probably support Hilary Clinton, but Trump is not a slam dunk in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (04)  “at this point”

Stockley says Louisiana doesn’t have enough suburban areas to give Rubio the kind of support he’s been drawing in other parts of the country.

______________________________________

There are seven days left in the special legislative session and lawmakers still are at odds over the best way to address the 940 million dollar budget deficit for this fiscal year. Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com (lapolitics.com) says there has been repeated delays on many tax votes, but there should be some movement hopefully this afternoon…

Cut 10 (10) “fiscal year”

Alford says the governor is worried that if lawmakers can’t come up with a solution, another special session will be needed.

cut 11 (09) “history”

 Alford says if the House is unable to send over any additional revenue, then Governor Edwards will be left to make more cuts. Meanwhile the House is waiting to see what the Senate does with its proposal to cut 106 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. He says right now it’s like the House and Senate are playing a game of chicken…

cut 12 (09) “budget bill”

_________________________________________________________

Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur, a Democrat from Ville Platte, says House Bill 122 on budget cuts will pass out of his committee Thursday. He says once that happens, more decisions can be made on the state’s deficit…:

Cut 13 (07)  “them in place”

After several days of holding off on any tax votes, the full House convenes at 1pm this afternoon and measures to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are on the agenda. LaFleur says there is nothing worse than being in a political office and having to vote on either a tax increase, or cutting spending in areas that are important to the people…:

Cut 14 (09)  “rightfully so” 

The lower chamber was waiting to see what the Senate would do with cuts before voting on tax measures. LaFleur says everyone will know a lot more after today. He says it’s helped that Governor John Bel Edwards has been meeting with many lawmakers on these issues which is something they’re not used to…:

Cut 15 (10) “make it all happen” 

________________________________________________________

The ULM basketball team goes for its eighth straight win tonight as the Warhawks host Georgia Georgia Southern at Seven PM at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. ULM’s winning streak is the fifth longest in the nation and Coach Keith Richard talks about what has gone right

Cut 16  (19)  “responded“

ULM has two more regular season games left and then they’ll compete in the Sun Belt Tournament as the number two seed. Richard says they want to keep building momentum heading into next week’s conference tourney in New Orleans…

Cut 17 (19)   right now”

Richard says he also wants to send the seniors out on a winning note…

Cut 18 (10) “like to be”

Former US Representative Joseph Cao has announced he will run for the US Senate seat that David Vitter will vacate. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

The West Monroe-based show Duck Dynasty marks its 100^th episode today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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One person was killed and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash last night near the Roanoke community in Jefferson Davis parish. Sgt. James Anderson with Louisiana State Police says none of the adults involved in the accident were wearing seat belts.

CUT 3 (10)  “received injuries”

25-year-old Kevin Daigle of Elton was pronounced dead at a Lafayette hospital. Anderson says the crash was the result of 24-year-old Kayla Laborde failing to stop at a stop sign.

CUT 4 (10)  “been prevented”

A two-year-old in one of the vehicles was restrained and received moderate injuries. Anderson says not wearing seat belts had serious consequences for the adults involved.

CUT 5 (06)  “85 feet”

============================

Former US Representative Joseph Cao (Gow) has entered the race for the US Senate seat that will vacated by David Vitter. Eight well-known candidates are now in the race. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says fundraising may be the defining factor in this race because so many candidates are competing for limited funds in the state.

CUT 6 (07) “dropping out”

Cross says some of the candidates may have to self-fund. Cao, a republican, served one term in the House beginning in 2009. Cross says with so many familiar names in the race, Cao is not a favorite to head into the run off.

CUT 7 (11) “a shot”

Cross says Republicans John Kennedy, Charles Boustany and John Fleming are favorites to make the runoff. He says their name recognition and available funds will give them a leg up. Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard are also in the running, but Cross says only one of them may have a real shot.

CUT 8 (07) “for Republicans”

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Duck Dynasty fans are celebrating at the Duck Commander Warehouse in West Monroe as the show airs its 100^th episode tonight. Willie Robertson’s wife Korie, who also co-owns Duck Commander, says the family has received a lot of encouragement from Louisianans.

CUT 9 (06) “the whole process” 

The celebration continues throughout the day as members of the Robertson family say thanks to their fans at the warehouse. Robertson says the small town of West Monroe has seen a huge boost in tourism since the show aired.  She says the best thing about filming the show has been spending time together with their family.

cut 10 (07)  “been great”

Robertson says they are already filming season 10, and their new adopted 13-year-old son Rowdy Robertson will make appearances in the new season – joining 5 other siblings. The one hour season 9 finale airs tonight at 8pm on A&E.

Cut 11 (06) “it together”

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Parents with children that have developmental disabilities went before the Senate Finance Committee urging lawmakers to increase taxes to help fund programs that help them take care of their kids. Ashley McReynolds is the mother of 9-year-old Cooper who has a serious genetic disorder that makes him feel like he’s starving to death. She says without state assistance they would not be able to raise Cooper at home…

cut 12 (10) “together”

A Zachary father also spoke before the committee telling them about his 14-year-old son, Blaine, who suffers from severe autism and a rare chromosome condition. He says with two other kids in college, he needs assistance from the state to help him take care of Blaine.

cut 13 (12)  “right thing”

The testimony definitely touched members of the Senate Finance Committee like Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt….

cut 14 (08)  “as well”

===============================================

Louisiana ranks 11^th in paid wind insurance claims in the US. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 Louisiana is the worst state for women, according to a new study from WalletHub. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 After watching gas prices fall for several weeks, they are starting to move back up as refineries perform maintenance to get ready for the busy summer season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study from State Farm finds Louisiana comes in at number 11 for states in paid wind claims. Company spokesperson Roszell Gadson says in 2015, State Farm paid 33-hundred wind and tornado claims on structures around the state. Gadson says last week’s tornado outbreak illustrates we we are in a very active part of the country when it comes to severe weather…

cut 4  (08)  “your home”

 Texas ranked number one with more than 11-thousand paid State Farm wind and tornado claims. Gadson says State Farm encourages Louisiana residents to take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week by checking to make sure their insurance policy covers wind claims….

Cut 5  (10)  “you needed”

 2016 has already been active year for severe weather. He says they’re currently working with policyholders who were impacted by last week’s severe weather and tornadoes.

Cut 6 (10)  “to normal” 

_________________________________________________________

According to a new study from WalletHub, Louisiana is the worst state for women. Jill Gonzales from Wallet Hub says they looked at over 15 metrics including median earnings for female workers, women’s preventative healthcare, the female uninsured rate and the female homicide rate.

CUT 7 (04)  “those metrics here”

Gonzales says Louisiana has one of the highest high school dropout rates for women at just over 4%. She says the ranking for women’s equality in the workplace is also very low. She says there are things our state can do to improve its ranking.

Cut 8  (08)  “for women”

Louisiana ranks near the bottom in terms of women living in poverty. Gonzales says only New Mexico and Mississippi have higher poverty rates for women.

Cut 9 (04)  “in poverty”

Gonzales says the median income and unemployment rates for women contribute to that number. Louisiana ranked 33^rd for women’s unemployment rate and 31^st for median earnings tor females.

______________________________________

Gas prices are starting to rise as refineries conduct maintenance in preparation for the busy driving season this summer. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average has increased over three cents since last week and this price increase is typical for this time of year.

Cut 10 (08) “oil prices”

Redman says refineries are also slowing production in response to abundant supplies, but he says gas prices shouldn’t get too high.

cut 11 (09) “prices down”

 Currently the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.58. Redman says he anticipates the price to keep rising through March….

cut 12 (04) “$1.75”

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The State House of Representatives continues to put off voting on numerous tax bills, including one that would increase the tax on alcohol for the first time in decades. Governor John Bel Edwards has suggested tax hikes as a way to help solve the state’s fiscal crisis. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s still trying to come up with 70 votes on the House floor for his bill to get approval…

Cut 13 (06)  “nasty”

The state is facing a $940 million deficit this fiscal year and a $2 billion deficit next fiscal year. Cox says the state needs the revenue raised by the tax to close this gap.

Cut 14 (03)  “can get” 

He says that despite rumors about the bill, the tax increase won’t be much if the bill passes.

Cut 15 (06) “per can” 

The special legislative session to address the state’s budget deficit ends March 9^th.

________________________________________________________

The Sun Belt Conference is removing New Mexico State and Idaho from its league. The two football-only members will leave the conference following the 2017 season. With the addition of Coastal Carolina, the Sun Belt will be a 10-member league in 2018. Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson likes the idea of a 10-team league and will discuss with coaches and ADs about adding a conference championship game…

Cut 16  (21)  “nine conference games“

Benson says there are no plans to expand past 10 teams. He says one of the big questions facing the league is whether they’ll play an eight game conference schedule or nine…

Cut 17 (17)     2017″

According to a new report from Bankrate-dot-com, Louisiana is the 5^th worst state for retirement. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Education leaders are working on a plan to make sure more students apply for financial assistance to attend a two-year or four year college. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana is the 5^th worst state for retirement, according to a new report from Bankrate-dot-com. Claes (Claus) Bell, a senior analyst at Bankrate, says they examined several key factors to determine the quality of life in retirement, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare, crime, and residents’ overall well-being.

CUT 3 (06)  “healthcare”

Bell says the crime rate is an important factor because elderly people are typically targets for crime. Weather was also considered in the study.

CUT 4 (04)  “as well”

While people may think of beaches when they think retirement, only one of the 10 best states touches a coast, but 9 of the 12 worst states are coastal. It’s not all bad news for Louisiana. Bell says retirees who live on a fixed income may find Louisiana a good state to spend their golden years….

CUT 5 (08)  “did well”

Wyoming is the best state for retirement, and New York is the worst. West Virginia, Oregon and Arkansas also finished behind Louisiana.

============================

A Baton Rouge man has been arrested after an unrelated DNA test links him to a 1996 rape case. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says 20 years ago, a 17-year-old girl was walking down the street and asked now 59-year-old Jerry Williams for a ride, where he then took her to his house and raped her. He says during the initial investigation, detectives had trouble re-contacting the victim so the case went unsolved…

CUT 6 (10) “1996″

Coppola says Williams was arrested back in December for one count of domestic abuse battery when his DNA test was conducted. He says Williams was questioned about the rape in 1996 but investigators weren’t able to follow up with the victim…

CUT 7 (10) “be served”

Coppola says Williams was booked on the charge of second degree rape.

CUT 8 (08) “was found”

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A Financial Aid Working Group is meeting today to formulate a plan to make sure public high school students comply with a new policy requiring them to apply for assistance to go to college. Department of Education’s Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford says only 44% of students are applying for any kind of financial aid, which is disappointing….

CUT 9 (12) “graduating seniors” 

Bradford says 55% of the new jobs in Louisiana will require at least one to two years of specialized education or training. He says many families don’t realize that, even if a student doesn’t get a scholarship, there are other options out there that help pay for education after high school.

cut 10 (07)  “financial aid”

Bradford says, in two years, students will have to either fill out a financial aid form, apply for TOPS or sign a waiver allowing them to opt out in order to get their diploma. He says the Financial Aid Working Group is also discussing how schools can be more of assistance in helping students get financial aid.

Cut 11 (07) “in 2018″

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With just 8 days left in the special legislative session, legislators are slowly working to fix Louisiana’s massive budget deficit. Ruston Representative Robert Shadoin says things are moving, but sometimes it seems to be at a glacial pace. He believes in the coming days there will be increased communication between the Senate and the House and bills…

cut 12 (09) “it done”

Shadoin says there will likely be some changes to the House’s budget cut bill that was passed because those cuts went deeper than anticipated. He says he didn’t want to vote for the increase in the sales tax but it had to be done…

cut 13 (10)  “higher education”

Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson is the author of the legislation that increases the state’s sales tax by another penny. But Jackson says they still need another 175 million to 250 million dollars to close the deficit. And she says there are still numerous revenue raising bills that can be passed by the house.

cut 14 (09)  “this deficit”

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More potential budget cuts to higher education could mean lower enrollment numbers at LSU. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week to get the public to create a game plan for emergencies. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that will prevent new students from participating in the state’s voucher program. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Discussion about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU. The TOPS Scholarship Program is only funded at 25% for the next school year. Without TOPS, many students may have to rethink their education plans. LSU President F. King Alexander is concerned about enrollment numbers dropping because of budget concerns in Louisiana.

cut 4  (06)  “other universities”

Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk. He says unless enough revenue is raised, they may have to close summer school and only about half of the athletes will be eligible to play in the fall.  He says unfortunately LSU’s budget problems is impacting recruiting…

Cut 5  (10)  “to LSU”

Alexander says if LSU is expected to win on the football field, they should be expected to win in the classroom too. But he says the university needs the necessary funding to do that. He says LSU ranks 46^th in the nation for how much they invest in each student.

Cut 6 (09)  “selling point” 

_________________________________________________________

Today is Super Tuesday, so will Louisiana’s presidential primary still matter on Saturday, March 5^th? Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are in a strong position to receive their party’s nomination as people in 12 states will vote today. Couvillon says it’s possible the democratic nomination will be sewn up after tonight.

CUT 7 (06)  “Super Tuesday”

Couvillon says Louisiana will still get attention after Super Tuesday. He says Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio will still be contenders in the race…

Cut 8  (06)  “March 5th”

Couvillion says because of the closed party primary vote in Louisiana, in which Republicans can only vote for Republicans, Trump is not a slam dunk to win Louisiana…

Cut 9 (07)  “Cruz some”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards declares this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in an effort to get families to create a game plan in the event of an emergency. Chris Guilbeau, Deputy Director with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says this comes at a good time as 13 confirmed tornadoes touched down last week…

Cut 10 (10) “their family”

Guilbeau says making a checklist and packing an emergency kit full of supplies like batteries and a flashlight are all parts of creating a game plan. He says always monitor radio and television stations giving current updates and keep an eye out for warnings…

cut 11 (10) “for them”

 Guilbeau says visit get-a-game-plan-dot-org (getagameplan.org) for more tips on how residents can protect themselves during severe weather. He says they’ve also developed a smartphone app, called Alert FM, so people can receive digital alerts.

cut 12 (09) “that app”

_________________________________________________________

A bill has been filed for the regular session calling for a freeze on the state voucher program, which allows students in public schools with a C, D or F rating to attend private schools at the state’s expense. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says the program is costing public schools money at a time when the state can’t afford it.

Cut 13 (09)  “ones out”

There are currently just over seven thousand students with vouchers in Louisiana. Smith says legislators need to resolve the budget crisis before expanding the program.

Cut 14 (06)  “new vouchers” 

A recent study by Tulane University shows that students in the voucher program did not perform as well in math. Smith says the program needs to be reevaluated.

Cut 15 (05) “voucher program” 

________________________________________________________

The Saints have released Marques Colston their alltime leading receiver. Colston was a consistent performer for the Black and Gold during his 10 seasons in New Orleans. He caught 72 touchdown passes and had over 97-hundred receiving yards. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it will be difficult for the Saints to replace his production…

Cut 16  (16)  “wide receiver position“

Detillier says Colston goes down as the Saints best receiver in the franchise’s history…

Cut 17 (09)     in the field”

Detillier says Colston will be tough to replace, but he advises against the Saints using an early draft pick to find his replacement…

Cut 18 (13) “than a receiver”

_______________________________

After Louisiana’s mild start to this flu season, experts say it may start to pick up soon. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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It’s been a quiet flu season in Louisiana, but doctors say it may start to ramp up soon. Influenza expert Dr. Frank Welch with the State Office of Public Health, says the number of flu cases are starting to rise across the country….

CUT 3 (05)  “we’re next”

Welch says this year the flu vaccine is very well matched to the virus, making it more effective. But he says a flu strain that created a lot of problems a few years ago is back…

CUT 4 (11)  “its ugly head”

Welch says the flu vaccine also protects against  the H1N1 virus, and flu shots are the best way to avoid getting sick.

CUT 5 (04)  “to get it”

Welch says most insurance covers flu shots and people without insurance should call a public health unit. He also advises people to wash their hands, stay home if they’re sick and avoid sick people.

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State Senators are hearing about the potential impacts if they approve a House bill that cuts an additional 106-million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. Superintendent of Education John White says they would have to close early childhood programs, send voucher students back to public schools and cancel standardized testing. That led to this question by Senator Wesley Bishop

CUT 6 (08) “yes sir”

Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee says they would have to lay-off restaurant inspectors, which is a serious public health risk…

CUT 7 (08) “get an inspection”

Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says the House bill has them taking a cut of 564-thousand thousand dollars. Curtis says he would have to close nine armories, which will impact how they respond to emergencies like flooding…

CUT 8 (06) “first guys out”

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Captain Clay Higgins, the man made internationally famous for his “no nonsense” viral Crime Stoppers videos, announces he’s resigning from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Higgins had come under fire by groups stating he shouldn’t be calling black suspects, animals. Higgins said in a news conference that he refuses to respond to such critics…:

CUT 9 (09) “make a profit” 

After the latest controversial Higgins’ video seeking to locate wanted members of the Gremlins Gang, Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said he was going to more closely monitor the language used. Higgins says Guidroz is a good man who he admires and respects…:

cut 10 (08)  “I just can’t”

The Gremlins Gang video, which compiled millions of views, was criticized by the ACLU of Louisiana and civil rights activist Rev Raymond Brown who said it was a slap in the face to our criminal justice system. Higgins said if he would have continued to wear the St. Landry badge, he would have violated the principles that it represents…:

Cut 11 (07) “my post”

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Former state lawmaker and ex Klu Klux Klansman David Duke is part of the storyline in the Republican presidential race. Duke supports Donald Trump and Trump’s opponents are bashing him for declining to disavow Duke’s endorsement during a CNN interview. Duke says the media is making a big deal out of this, because of his connection with the KKK, a group that he says he left in the 1970s

cut 12 (07) “with the Klan”

Trump blames a bad ear piece and couldn’t hear the question well when asked about Duke’s endorsement by CNN. The billionaire businessman only said he knows nothing about Duke or white supremacists. Duke says he is no longer a white supremacist, so Trump doesn’t have to answer the question

cut 13 (10)  “or something”

Duke says political oberservers said his support of Trump would hurt the republican front-runner for the republican nomination, but that hasn’t been the case at all…

cut 14 (09)  “combined”

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The Louisiana National Guard at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans opens their Boots in the Sand Desert Storm exhibit today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Department of Health and Hospitals will open a water testing lab in Shreveport, which will help speed up the testing process from samples taken in north Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more on the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The proposed penny increase to the state’s four-cent sales tax easily clears a Senate committee heads to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana National Guard at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans opens a Desert Storm exhibit today to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the conflict. Louisiana National Guard Historian Rhett Breerwood says 16 of our guard’s units were mobilized and nine were sent to the war zone. He says the Boots in the Sand exhibit honors multiple units, one being the 527^th Engineer Battalion out of Bossier City….

cut 4  (10)  “afterwards”

A closing date has not been set for the Desert Storm display. Breerwood says the 159^th MASH Unit is also being honored in the exhibit. He says they played a significant role during the conflict and they were the last ones to leave.

Cut 5  (06)  “medical unit”

Breerwood says as visitors tour the exhibit, they can expect to see original equipment, uniforms and pictures taken by soldiers overseas from 1990 to 1991. He says also many enemy weapons captured by Guardsman will be on display.

Cut 6 (08)  “as well” 

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The House is expected to take up a bill today that would raise the alcohol tax for the first time since 1948. The author of the measure, Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox, says every dollar we can raise is important and this tax would generate 27 million dollars a year.

CUT 7 (08)  “a shot”

Cox says there are a few legislators against raising the alcohol tax, but many are more willing to increase “sin taxes” than sales or income taxes. He says we can’t keep making drastic cuts to higher education.

Cut 8  (08)  “you know”

The full house is also anticipated to take up a bill to increase the cigarette tax by 22 cents. Cox believes some legislators might be okay with increasing the alcohol tax because it hasn’t been raised since the 40s.

Cut 9 (11)  “like this”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals opens a new water testing laboratory in Shreveport on Monday. The lab is expected to speed up the time it takes to test samples from drinking water systems in north Louisiana. Currently water samples from the northern part of the state are shipped to Baton Rouge. DHH spokesperson Bob Johannessen says this will be especially helpful when communities are under a boil water advisory…

Cut 10 (07) “as well”

The Shreveport lab will cost $18,300 initially. However, the lab is expected to save the state even more money each year by eliminating water sample shipping costs. Johannessen says the savings will be significant…

cut 11 (07) “a year”

Johannessen also says this project is one of many ways DHH is trying to increase efficiency across the state to benefit Louisiana communities…

cut 12 (09) “as possible”

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A Senate committee sends to the Senate floor a bill that would raise the state’s four-cent sales tax by a penny. The panel changed the sunset date of the additional penny from 18-months to five years. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says an 18-month sunset won’t help their current budget problems, because it couldn’t be used for ongoing expenses like higher education…

Cut 13 (08)  “revenues”

The extra penny on the state sales tax would go into effect on April 1st and raise 210-million dollars. Morrell says they also need this additional revenue in place long enough so they can perform long-term budget reform..

Cut 14 (08)  “do it” 

The House put the 18-month sunset on the additional penny. But Governor John Bel Edwards urged the senate to raise the sunset, because it wouldn’t address the state’s budget needs. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke for the governor..

Cut 15 (08) “revenue source” 

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Solid pitching and plenty of offense led to an 11-1 victory for the 5th ranked LSU baseball team against Sacramento State on Sunday. Starting pitcher John Valek allowed one run in seven innings and struck out six. The Akron transfer says he felt more comfortable in his second start in an LSU uniform…

Cut 16  (17)  “and comfortable“

LSU blew a three-run lead on Saturday to the Hornets and loss. The Tigers made sure that didn’t happen yesterday. After scoring five runs in the third, LSU kept adding runs in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings. Coach Paul Mainieri liked seeing that…

Cut 17 (18) “to a play

Mainieri says Valek was the story of the game by throwing strikes and keeping Sac State’s hitters off balance…

Cut 18 (20) “the game”

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In his final regular season game at the Thomas Assembly Center, senior guard  Alex Hamilton messed around and recorded a triple-double to help Louisiana Tech beat Rice 88-69 on Saturday night in front of 55-hundred fans. Hamilton had 25 points. 11 rebounds, and 11 asssits to register the progam’s first triple-double since 1991. Hamilton says to do it on senior night made the accomplishment even sweeter…

Cut 19 (14) “better ending”

By scoring 25 points, Hamilton is now fourth in school history for points scored. Louisiana Tech has now won five of its last six games as they enter the final week of the regular season. Hamilton says they need to stay focused…

Cut 20 (15) “conference tournament”