Louisiana’s economy is one out of seven states that did not end 2015 on a strong note, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

For the second straight weekend during the carnival season, gunfire erupted along a parade route. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

A Crowley man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing two Acadia Parish Narcotic Agents. 42-year-old Jason Broussard is facing multiple charges including 2 counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. Maxine Trahan with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the agents responded to a call after Broussard was causing a disturbance at a grocery store.

CUT 3 (10)  “with them”

Trahan says Broussard was arrested by deputies while trying to flee the scene after stabbing the two agents. She says both officers were immediately transported to the hospital to treat their stab wounds.

CUT 4 (10)  “home recovering”

Trahan says Broussard had outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest. He is being held in at the Acadia Parish Jail on a one million dollar bond.

CUT 5 (11)  “an officer”

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

Louisiana’s economy is just one out of those in seven states in the nation that did not end 2015 on a strong note, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The index shows our economy contracting during the last three months of the year. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the impact of the oil cuts are hitting Louisiana really hard…:

CUT 6 (10) “West Texas”

Scott says the big hits Louisiana incurred were in Houma and Lafayette, with employment down three and a half and two and a half percent. He says the historic low oil prices have hammered most areas all over Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (07) “Lake Charles areas”

Scott says the state as a whole began losing jobs in September of last year. He says they hope to see some upward growth in mid 2016, but that will mostly depend on Saudi Arabia..:

CUT 8 (08) “in the market”

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

For the second time in two weeks there has been a shooting along a Mardi Gras parade route in Louisiana. A week ago, there was a shooting in Thibodaux and last night shots rang out during the Bacchus Parade. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this must stop….

CUT 9 (10)  “dozen times”

No one was injured at last night’s shooting at the Bacchus Parade. Authorities recovered a gun but no arrests have been made. Nungesser says it’s time for the prosecutors and lawyers to stop letting career criminals back on the streets.

cut 10 (08)  “first offense”

Nungesser says Mardi Gras celebrations bring in a huge majority of revenue and tourism for New Orleans and they have to make sure crime doesn’t effect that.

Cut 11 (07) “it up”

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

If you are heading to a Lundi Gras parade tonight in Lafayette, Houma or the New Orleans area, make sure you bundle up. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll be impacted all day by chilly temps and strong winds

cut 12 (12) “tomorrow morning”

Keim says the entire state is under a wind advisory today as a strong breeze of 20-miles per hour will be felt throughout the day. He says when the wind really starts blowing that’s when it will feel really cold

cut 13 (09)  “even”

Keim says these strong winds will stick until tomorrow morning. He says make sure you bundle up if you’re heading out tonight…

cut 14 (05)  “40s tonight”

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

A special session to address the state’s huge budget issues starts on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The massive burn chamber that was built to dispose 16 million pounds of explosives at Camp Minden begins its slow trek through four parishes in northwest Louisiana today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

US representative Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish introduces legislation to help out farmers. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham introduces legislation aimed at stimulating agribusiness. The proposed FAME act changes the depreciation schedule for farm equipment. Abraham says it makes a simple adjustment to the tax code to shorten the depreciation schedule on farm equipment to five years rather than seven…

cut 4  (10)  “businesses”

Abraham says other businesses typically have a five year depreciation schedule for their durable equipment. He says this will help put money in the farmers’ pockets…

Cut 5  (10)  “at all”

Abraham says often times farm equipment breaks down and stops working before seven years. He says the FAME act already has eight other co-sponsors in the U.S. House…

Cut 6 (09)  “win-win” 

______________________________________

Jeremy Alford of La-politics-com says to expect the unexpected during a special session that will start Sunday. Legislators will meet for 3 and half weeks looking at proposed cuts and tax increases to fix the state’s massive budget issues. Alford says Governor Edwards has released a broad call when it comes to taxes and to no one’s surprise, Republicans aren’t pleased.

CUT 7 (10)  “of requests”

Alford anticipates Governor Edwards will work with Republicans to try to find a balance between budget cuts and tax increases. He says Republicans will go into the session looking for ways to reduce spending.

Cut 8  (11)  “the day”

Alford says it’s a possibility that the governor and the House will come to an agreement on how to move forward during the session. He says there is a lot of pressure on the House to perform and the magic number to remember is 70 votes….

Cut 9 (10)  “next week”

______________________________________

The burn chamber created to burn 16 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden will begin making its way to Webster Parish through four northwest Louisiana parishes today. The Department of Transportation is advising drivers to prepare for delays. DOTD Spokesperson Cindy Dorfner says because of its size, the chamber can only go 15 miles per hour.

Cut 10 (09) “just humongous”

Dorfner says the chamber will be transported on a truck through Natchitoches, Red River, Bossier until it finally reaches Camp Minden in Webster Parish on Thursday. She says traffic will be especially bad when the chamber reaches south Bossier on Wednesday because it will close down an intersection.

cut 11 (08) “not possible”

Motorists can check the chamber’s travel schedule on DOTD’s website. She says electricity could also be disrupted along the chamber’s route and electric companies will be out to ease power outages. Dorfner says they ask for people not to cluster around to watch the massive load pass.

cut 12 (10) “the traffic”

______________________________________

Now that Super Bowl 50 is in the books, it’s time to take a hard look at what the Saints need to do to get back in the postseason. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says fixing the defense should be the Saints first priority this offseason…

Cut 13 (12)  “three years”

Detillier says the Saints will look to either draft or sign a pass rusher, a run stuffing defensive tackle and a cornerback to replace Brandon Browner, who could be officially released on Monday. He says hopefully the Saints will make some better decisions when it comes to their free agent signees…

Cut 14 (11) “across the board”

On offense, Detillier expects the Saints to sign Quarterback Drew Brees to a contract extension, which could free up more salary cap space for the upcoming season. He says expect the Black and Gold to also bolster the offensive line and look for them to provide Brees with another pass catching target

Cut 15  (08) “Marques Colston”

______________________________________

The LSU Tigers are in first place in the SEC after beating Mississippi State 88-77 on Saturday. Antonio Blakeney led the way with a career-high 31 points, Keith Hornsby had 25 points and Ben Simmons chipped in with 16 points. Coach Johnny Jones liked that the Tigers had 25 assists to go along with 32 made field goals.

Cut 16  (19)  “basketball team”

After a rough go during the nonconference schedule, the Tigers are now
8-2 in the SEC, one game ahead of three other teams in the league. Jones
likes the direction the team is heading…

Cut 17 (11) “ways to go”

This week the Tigers will face two of the teams that are one game back
behind LSU for first place, South Carolina on Wednesday and Texas A&M on
Saturday. Senior guard Keith Hornsby is looking forward to it…

Cut 18 (14) “be consistent”

_____________________________________

Discussions are underway about forming a new organiziation to rival the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Chevron North America has informed the Louisiana Workforce Commission about possible layoffs at five office locations in Covington and Lafayette. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

New Orleans attorney Caroline Fayard is the first Democrat to enter Louisiana’s US Senate race. Fayard has never held political office, but did run for Lt. Governor in 2010. Fayard says she’s running for the Senate because she doesn’t want the rest of the country to take Louisiana for granted and that starts in Washington, D.C….

CUT 3 (10)  “to the table”

A release from her campaign describes Fayard as a “pro-life, pro-business Democrat.” She believes there are too many career politicians in Congress and voters are upset with the level of service they’re getting from their government…

CUT 4 (07)  “American families”

She says this election isn’t about politics, it’s about what is right for the people of Louisiana. Political pundits have said Fayard’s chances of winning would be greatly increased if she remains the only major Democrat in the race. But Fayard welcomes the competition…

CUT 5 (08)  “as a country”

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

Chevron North America informs the Louisiana Workforce Commission of possible layoffs at five office locations in Covington and Lafayette. A total of 385 employees could be affected, 340 at the office locations and 45 offshore workers. Eric Smith, Associate Director at the Tulane Energy Institute, says the low oil prices initially impacted independent oil producers, but now major companies are feeling the affects…

CUT 6 (10) “some cutbacks”

Chevron says the cuts will begin April 4th and should be complete by June 7th. Smith believes the layoffs are primarily coming in upstream business, which is what they call the process of drilling and operations in getting oil out of the ground…

CUT 7 (10) “pretty well”

The company says they will help laid-off employees find jobs in other Chevron locations and offer severance packages to those unable to find one. Smith expects even more layoffs are coming…

CUT 8 (07) “count on, today”

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

Discussions have started about forming another high school athletic association. It’s in response to a vote by member principals of the LHSAA who decided to expand the championship split to basketball, baseball and softball. Former commissioner of administration, Paul Rainwater, organized a meeting with several high school principals and A-D’s to discuss what it would take to form a new organization…

CUT 9 (06)  “with a budget”

One possible hurdle is that the National Federation of State High School Associations recognizes just one high school association in each state and that’s currently the LHSAA. Rainwater says that’s a challenge they can overcome…

cut 10 (10)  “sort of process”

Rainwater says more meetings will take place in the coming weeks. He plans to have a constitution and structure ready to present to interested schools in May…

Cut 11 (08) “use of money”

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

It’s a big Mardi Gras weekend across Louisiana and State Police want it to be a safe one, especially on our highways. Trooper Melissa Matey says they have zero tolerance for drunk drivers, so make sure there’s a sober driver at the wheel…

cut 12 (10) “in festivities”

Matey says if you are enjoying the parades with your children, have a plan in place in case you get separated from your kids…

cut 13 (10)  “was wearing”

Matey says they are also asking the public to take advantage of the see something, send something app in case you spot something that doesn’t seem right….

cut 14 (11)  “immediately”

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

New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard is the first Democrat to get in Louisiana’s US Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story..

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Republican Party of Louisiana has launched their “Red to the Roots” campaign. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

 Southwest Louisiana kicks off Mardi Gras this week with a variety of parades and events. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

We are expecting Governor John Bel Edwards will issue the call for a special legislative session very soon, possibly today. Jeremy Alford, with la-politics-dot-com, says the call outlines which tax measures the governor will ask legislators to vote on, to help close a 750-million dollar budget deficit for this fiscal year

cut 4  (10)  “income tax brackets”

A three-and-a-half week special session is expected to start on February 14th. Alford says republicans in the legislature are pushing the governor to include in the call, opportunities where significant budget cuts can be made…

Cut 5  (09)  “as well”

Republican legislators have expressed interest in making cuts that go beyond what Governor Edwards has suggested. But Alford says many lawmakers also realize that higher taxes are inevitable

Cut 6 (11)  “spending reforms” 

______________________________________

The Republican Party of Louisiana has launched their “Red to the Roots” campaign. The initiative is an effort to identify, engage, and register new conservative voters across Louisiana. Executive Director Jason Dore (DOOR-ay) says although the number of Republicans registering to vote is increasing, they’re not comfortable with some recent trends in voter registration…

CUT 7 (07)  “for granted”

He says the $2 million dollar campaign will put permanent boots on the ground in Louisiana with a primary focus of registering conservative voters. Dore believes this effort will not only help the GOP in this year’s presidential and US Senate elections, but in future elections as well…

Cut 8  (10)  “for then”

As of February 1st, there are 1.3 million registered Democratic voters in the state, 828,000 Republicans, and 756,000 Independent/Other Party voters. Dore says it’s important to the Republican Party to have as many conservative voters registered in the state as possible…

Cut 9 (10)  “talking to”

______________________________________

Everyone knows Mardi Gras festivities are huge in New Orleans, but southwest Louisiana has some great celebrations of their own. Meghan Hartman with the Lake Charles Southwest Convention and Visitors Bureau says Lake Charles has the second biggest Mardi Gras in the state. She says they’re proud of the fact their parades are family friendly…

Cut 10 (10) “there’s parades”

Hartman says in Lake Charles this weekend there’s a Cajun gumbo cook-off, a community zydeco dance, The Krewe of Barkus Parade, and a children’s parade. She says people travel from all over to attend these Mardi Gras celebrations.

cut 11 (09) “entry fees”

 Hartman says every year the festivities get bigger and bigger in southwest Louisiana. She says this Mardi Gras the Society of American Travel Writers is coming in for a convention and to join in the celebrations…

cut 12 (07) “festivities”

______________________________________

Several republicans are running in Louisiana’s US Senate race and now we have our first Democrat. New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard, who unsuccessfully ran for Lt. Governor in 2010, has announced she’s looking to replace outgoing Senator David Vitter. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll wait to see if other Democrats get in…

Cut 13 (07)  “just her”

It’s been rumored Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell will also run for US Senate. Pinsonat says Fayard’s chances of winning would be increased if she’s the only major democrat in the race

Cut 14 (07) “for her”

Pinsonat says Fayard will get millions in donations from the legal community and her family has deep pockets too. Pinsonat says Fayard will also need a little help from the Republican candidates in the race

Cut 15  (08) “becoming governor”

______________________________________

You can be sure there are plenty of fans in Louisiana who will be cheering on New Orleans native Peyton Manning and the Broncos in the Super Bowl Sunday. Isidore Newman High School football coach Nelson Stewart played with Manning for the Greenies from 1991-1993. He’s not surprised the 39-year-old is playing for his fourth Super Bowl, even though it was a difficult season

Cut 16  (08)  “challenge”

Some are wondering if this is going to be Manning’s last game of his hall of fame career. But Stewart says knowing Manning, his only focus right now is on Super Bowl 50…:

Cut 17 (09) “on his part”

Stewart says their entire school at every grade level is getting together for a massive pep rally at 10 where they’ll be cheering and passing out orange and blue beads…:

Cut 18 (05) “even more”

Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis. Eric Gill spoke with House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry to see what he thinks…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Three Louisiana cities have been ranked in the top 10 for best places to live and work for filmmakers in 2016. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards released a column today saying cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can make cuts before raising taxes. Henry believes legislators will look at cuts first and do what they can to reduce the size of government…

CUT 3 (06)  “than we make”

Higher education leaders say the state’s colleges and universities can’t afford any more budget cuts. Henry says nobody likes budget cuts, but unfortunately they are necessary…

CUT 4 (11)  “looking at”

He believes legislators will exhaust every measure possible to reduce the size of government before raising taxes. Henry thinks Republican lawmakers are willing to work with Governor Edwards, but they are waiting on detailed budget plans…

CUT 5 (05)  “any steps”

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

The plea deal entered by former Saints star Darren Sharper in New Orleans to charges he drugged and raped women, is imploding according to a legal filing this week. Sharper pleaded guilty last year and agreed to a nine-year federal prison sentence in a so called “global deal” to resolve all allegations in multiple states. Legal Analyst Tim Meche is not surprised this isn’t working out…:

CUT 6 (10) “firmed up”

Meche says, even though a written ruling has not been issued, the new filing suggests the judge in New Orleans wouldn’t accept the deal. He says this is not good news for Sharper as he’s already admitted to being a serial rapist in multiple jurisdictions…:

CUT 7 (10) “thought he would get”

The joint motion by Sharper’s attorneys and the US Attorney asked the judge to postpone a March 7th trial date. Meche says it looks like Judge Jane Triche Milazzo isn’t committing to the prison terms which means lawyers have to start over and come up with a sentence she’ll accept while preparing for trial. He says Sharper is in a precarious situation…:

CUT 8 (09) “good for him”

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

Three Louisiana cities are in the Top 10 of the best places to live and work as a moviemaker in 2016. New Orleans ranks number two, Baton Rouge comes in at number three and Shreveport-Bossier is ranked ninth. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says there was concern with recent changes to film tax credit program this industry would go downhill but that’s not the case…

CUT 9 (10)  “for you”

Stelly says it’s a testament to how these cities have welcomed the film industry. He says New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier all have great infrastructure and staging facilities to invite filming into their cities.

cut 10 (11)  “very easy”

Stelly says Louisiana is currently booming with lots of different film projects. He says we have a variety of television shows and movies being filmed in the state.

Cut 11 (09) “in Shreveport”

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

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is surveying an Iberia Parish railroad crossing where five people died right before Christmas. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says gates were installed over 10 years ago and a “do not stop on tracks” sign has been installed. He says they’ll see if any additional safety features can be added at this intersection and others in Iberia Parish.

cut 12 (11) “these routes”

Mallett says it’s a tragedy when an accident with a train occurs. He reminds drivers to always look out and listen when coming close to a train track…

cut 13 (10)  “be aware”

Mallett says on average there has been one crash per year at this railroad crossing intersection for the last four years. He says their study involves observing traffic volumes, the speed of vehicles crossing the tracks and additional reports.

cut 14 (10)  “features here”

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

Federal money received as part of a nationwide disaster resiliency competition will be used to move Native Americans living in Isle de Jean (zhan) Charles in Terrebonne Parish to safer ground. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Pro-life groups are concerned about the views that new Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee has on abortion. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

LSU ends with a top five recruiting class that’s loaded with in-state talent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Federal money received as part of a nationwide disaster resiliency competition will be used to move Native Americans living in Isle de Jean (zhan) Charles in Terrebonne Parish to safer ground. The plan is to have the members of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Indian tribe relocated by 2019. Chief Albert Naquin says they’re not sure where their new community will be…

cut 4  (06)  “down the road”

Only 320 acres of the island remain and experts believe it will be completely submerged in 50 years. Naquin says US Department of Housing and Urban Development officials toured the island earlier this week…

Cut 5  (11)  “the process”

Naquin says the state received $48 million to relocate the community. He says the Isle is a quiet, peaceful community. Naquin hopes they can keep some of those qualities in their new home…

Cut 6 (07)  “too noisy” 

______________________________________

Pro-life groups are concerned about the views that new Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee has on abortion. Louisiana Right to Life claims Gee, a gynecologist, is pro-choice and has ties to Planned Parenthood. Gee says she is personally pro-choice, but when it comes to being the head of DHH, she’s pro-family…:

CUT 7 (08)  “after that”

Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper says Governor John Bel Edwards named a DHH secretary with stances incompatible with his own pro-life values. But Gee says she is committed to upholding the views of the governor in this role…:

Cut 8  (09)  “and will do so”

Louisiana Right to life says Gee was named as a plaintiff in a lawsuit backed by Planned Parenthood that dealt with stores making it easier to access the emergency contraceptive Plan B. Gee says one of the most important job’s she’s ever had was to lead an initiative aimed at combating prematurity because it’s the leading cause of infant mortality…:

Cut 9 (10)  “once they’re born”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards tells teachers there are no plans to cut funding for public schools, despite the state’s difficult budget challenges. Louisiana currently allocates three-point-seven billion dollars for public schools and puts it into the minimum foundation program, which distributes money to school districts…:

Cut 10 (06) “the MFP”

But Edwards added that there likely won’t be growth in the funding next fiscal year…:

cut 11 (07) “for inflation”

Edwards spoke and answered questions from educators and staff at a listening tour sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Educators. He says the current budget deficit of $750 million dollars is the largest ever inherited by any governor in the history of our state, and this is the 8th straight year of shortfall…:

cut 12 (10) “difficult place”

______________________________________

Heading into national signing day, LSU was on the verge of landing the number one recruiting class in the nation, but they fell short. Alabama once again wins the national recruiting title, but the Tigers’ class still ranks in the top five based on what the experts say. Coach Les Miles says he was more interested in signing players that can help the Tigers win in the fall…

Cut 13 (10)  “getting rankings”

LSU chances of landing the nation’s number one recruiting class took a hit, when the Tigers lost linebacker Erick Fowler to the Texas Longhorns. But Miles will not lose sleep over missing out on a four-star prospect…

Cut 14 (07) “coaching them”

Even though LSU missed on Fowler, they still signed a couple of four-star linebackers, Rahssan Thornton and Michael Divinity from John Ehret High School in Monroe. Miles says Divinity has the physical ability to play right away…

Cut 15  (14) “true freshman”

A new report LSU Institute for Public Health and Justice report suggests that Louisiana should increase the age for adult imprisonment. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

A Melville mother and her two sons have been arrested in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Treyvon Edwards. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

A new report from LSU’s Institute for Public Health and Justice suggests that Louisiana should increase the age for adult imprisonment. The study recommends that 17-year-olds should be treated as juveniles instead of adults after they are arrested. Lead author, Professor Stephen Phillippi (Philip-ee), says this study did not look at heinous and very violent crimes committed by 17-year-olds…

CUT 3 (08)  “in Louisiana”

The report suggests raising the age for adult imprisonment in routine situations. The study was compiled at the request of the state legislature. Phillipi says several states have recently put 17-year-olds back in their juvenile system with good results…

CUT 4 (07)  “a little bit”

The report discovered that 17-year-olds sent to adult prison are more likely to to commit additional crimes when they are released. Phillippi says some states actually save money by making this change…

CUT 5 (10)  “into the adult”

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

New York real estate heir Robert Durst pleads guilty to a weapons charge today in New Orleans federal court. Durst was arrested at a hotel on Canal Street in March 2015 when, during a search by the FBI fearing he was about to leave the country, a .38 caliber revolver was found which is illegal for a convicted felon to possess. Legal analyst Chick Foret says, under a plea bargain, Durst will be sentenced to 85 months in federal prison…:

CUT 6 (08) “California”

The judge said he would decide whether or not to accept the plea after receiving a pre-sentencing report. Foret says a seven year, one month sentence for the 72-year-old is a substantial one. He says Wednesday in court, Durst didn’t look so good…:

CUT 7 (08) “do that”

Foret says Durst had to make a deal today because his only defense was whether or not the search of the room was valid, but a judge ruled the evidence was admissible. The millionaire’s first wife vanished in 1982 and authorities believe he killed Susan Berman to keep her quiet about what she knew. Foret believes Durst is now looking for closure…:

CUT 8 (10) “Susan Berman”

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

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Melville woman and her two sons in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Treyvon Edwards. Capt. Clay Higgins says a 12-year-old has been charged with Negligent Homicide and it’s believed he and Edwards were playing with a gun and it went off accidentally killing Edwards.

CUT 9 (10)  “of justice”

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office charged 33-year-old Twanda Louray Washington with Obstruction of Justice and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile. Higgins says they suspect the mother and other son helped to cover up the crime scene. He says there are details of the case that might never be released…

cut 10 (09)  “the woods”

Higgins says the death is hitting hard in the close knit town of Melville. He says this was a tragic unfolding of events that went from bad to worse…

Cut 11 (11) “forever”

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

LSU Football Coach Les Miles and his staff has brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the country. 24-7 sports and scout-dot-com rank it in the top five. Tiger Rag editor Cody Worshman says LSU is bringing in a bunch of blue chip prospects

cut 12 (10) “four star guys”

Worsham says the strength of this class is in the secondary as the Tigers signed five talented defensive backs…

cut 13 (09)  “next year”

Worsham says the 2016 class will also provide some quality depth on the defensive line…

cut 14 (10)  “first year”

Today is the final day to register to vote or change your party affiliation for Louisiana’s March 5th presidential preference primary. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

The Tabasco plant on Avery Island cut the ribbon this week on a brand new Visitors Center. Michelle Southern speaks with McIlhenny (Mackle-Henny) CEO Tony Simmons…: (starts with cut)

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A mother and her two sons have been arrested in connection with the death of a 14-year-old Port Barre student. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Today is the final day to register to vote or change your party affiliation for Louisiana’s March 5th presidential preference primary. The presidential election season kicked off Monday in Iowa. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says it’s important to make sure your party affiliation is correct for this election…

cut 4  (10)  “Republican side”

He says, in the closed presidential primary, Democrats will vote for Democrats and Republicans will vote for Republicans. Schedler says Independent voters will not be able to take part in the presidential primary, but in some areas of the state there will be other items on the ballot…

Cut 5  (11)  “all voters”

You can register to vote or change your party affiliation at your local registrar of voters office until 4:30 today or do it online at geauxvote-dot-com until midnight tonight. Schedler says casting your vote is the best way to express your opinion on how government should be run…

Cut 6 (08)  “that right” 

______________________________________

The Tabasco plant on Avery Island cut the ribbon this week on a brand new Visitors Center which also includes a restaurant with meals prepared with the world famous pepper sauce. Tabasco is produced by the McIlhenny (Mackle-Henny) Company of Louisiana, and President and CEO Tony Simmons says the new Tabasco Visitors Center tour features an interactive greenhouse…:

CUT 7 (10)  “pepper sauces”

The new “Tabasco Family of Flavors Restaurant 1868″ is open daily for lunch. Simmons says they spent about five and a half million dollars to upgrade the facilities. He says the tour also shows their barrel mash warehouse…:

Cut 8  (10)  “make Tabasco”

Simmons says his family has been on the island since 1818, then began creating Tabasco in 1865, so the new museum contains artifacts and history from their time there. He says they get in excess of about 100,000 people a year visiting Avery Island, and those of us who haven’t been since we were kids are in for a real treat with the new facilities…:

Cut 9 (08)  “come see us”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces they will continue to have “an elevated presence” of state troopers patroling New Orleans historic French Quarter. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Mike Edmonson, says a sales tax approved by French Quarter residents last October provides the funding to keep more troopers in the Big Easy…

Cut 10 (07) “New Orleans”

Edmonson says they are also bringing in an additional 170 troopers for the big Mardi Gras festivities this weekend, but that won’t hurt their presence in other areas of the state…

cut 11 (05) “law enforcement”

 Edmonson says additional troopers in the tourist areas of the French Quarter have helped to lower criminal activity…

cut 12 (09) “state of Louisiana”

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says they have found the murder weapon in the investigation into the stabbing death of Dylan Kyle Poche. The 18-year-old was killed Saturday at the Sibley Lake boat launch. Captain Tony Moran says they’ve arrested 18-year-old Andrew Jacob Wallace and after several days of searching detectives found a critical piece of evidence.

Cut 13 (10)  “for analysis”

NPSO says 18-year-old William Holman has been arrested for accessory after the fact to 2nd degree murder and disturbing the peace and 18-year-old Kristine Woodall is charged with aggravated  assault with an hammer and engaging in a fistic encounter.  Moran says Wallace was arrested shortly after the stabbing because he fled the scene in a vehicle and was followed by relatives of Poche….

Cut 14 (10) “the homicide”

Moran says Wallace is being held without bond. During a press conference, Sheriff Victor Jones said they believe a feud began last week and continued on social media until the two met at the boat landing. Moran says the investigation is ongoing…

Cut 15  (08) “contact us”

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It’s national signing day and the LSU Tigers are poised to have the number one recruiting class in the nation. One of the nation’s top defensive tackles is expected to sign with the Tigers and that’s Neville star Rashard Lawrence, who helped the Monroe school win back-to-back state championships. Neville head coach Mickey McCarty says he’s everything you want in a defensive lineman

Cut 16  (10)  “with us”

LSU is expected to sign five defensive linemen and three offensive linemen, including John Curtis standout Willie Allen. Patriots head coach Jt Curtis says the four-star prospect has the intangibles to be an outstanding offensive lineman in the SEC

Cut 17 (18) “look for”

The Tigers are also expected to sign a quarterback. Zachary QB Lindsey Scott committed to LSU over the weekend after originally giving a verbal pledge to Syracuse. He’s the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year in 2015 and Zachary head coach David Brewerton says Scott’s five-foot-11 height hasn’t stopped him from making all the throws

Cut 18 (15) “all right”

State health officials, along with the EPA, are reviewing water quality concerns in the Tensas Parish town of St. Joseph. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Cajun groundhog climbed out of his cottage in New Iberia today to tell us if we’ll see an early spring. Emelie Gunn has more on Pierre C. Shadeaux’s forecast…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s Cajun groundhog, Pierre C. Shadeaux, predicts an early and long spring this year. The young nutria came out of his Cajun cottage in New Iberia this morning in front of a crowd awaiting to find out his forecast. Publisher of the Daily Iberian Will Chapman led the ceremony and says since he didn’t see his shadow, we will have a longer spring and put off the extreme summer heat.

CUT 3 (09)  “temperatures”

Chapman says every February 2^nd Pierre C. Shadeaux makes his prediction at Bouligny Plaza. He says every year there is a great turnout for the event and the kids really look forward to seeing him come out of his Cajun cottage.

CUT 4 (10)  “welcome Pierre”

Pierre’s cousin, Punxsutawney Phil, made a similar prediction today in Pennsylvania calling for an early spring. Chapman says Pierre takes his job very seriously, as he has a lot of responsibility with predicting this forecast.

CUT 5 (11)  “no shadow”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, along with the EPA, are looking into water quality issues in the Tensas Parish town of St. Joseph. Residents have reported brown, murky water coming from their faucets. State Health Officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, says the system’s source water contains a level of iron that discolors the water…

CUT 6 (08) “quite expensive”

He says the iron in the water is not a health issue. Guidry adds that the St. Joseph Water System is an older system in need of maintenance and repair. The state legislature has approved funds to work on the system. Guidry says they’re doing everything they can at the state level to move this project on as quickly as possible…

CUT 7 (05) “address it”

He says the legislature would have to make water treatment a top priority before those funds are readily available. Guidry says it could be a while before the water is cleared up…

CUT 8 (10) “treatments occur”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of a Melville teenager. Capt. Clay Higgins says 14-year-old Treyvon Goudeau was shot once and found dead in the woods on Friday. He says the case was originally identified as just a suspicious death but it has now turned into a homicide investigation.

CUT 9 (10)  “the field”

The coroner says Goudeau was shot once in the head. Higgins says detectives searched a Melville home this morning and interviewed a number of people but no arrests have been made at this point.

cut 10 (07)  “an arrest”

Goudeau was a student at Port Barre High School. Higgins says they can’t imagine why someone would murder this teenager. He says detectives have been working non-stop to find who is responsible…

Cut 11 (10) “a homicide”

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says he’s paying his executive staff nearly 400-thousand dollars less than what employees were paid under the previous administration. Dardenne says he’s decided against filling a couple of positions and will pay a few people less, because of the state’s budget problems

cut 12 (10) “to understand”

Dardenne’s annual salary is 237-thousand dollars, a 33-thousand dollar increase than his predecessor. Dardenne says that’s the salary the governor offered him and he accepted the challenge of solving Louisiana’s budget mess…

cut 13 (11)  “do that”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will answer questions tonight from public school teachers at a town hall style meeting at a Baton Rouge high school. Edwards is participating in an event sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Educators at Broadmoor High School. L-A-E President Debbie Meaux says the governor will discuss a variety of topics…

cut 14 (06)  “several others”

Meaux says they’re honored to have the new governor attend one of their events and hopes he gives insight on the fate of funding for K-12 education. She says they’ll make sure L-A-E members who cannot come are updated on what Edwards’ says….

cut 15 (10)  “access that”

A study out of LSU Health Shreveport finds more radiation is being overused in elderly women with breast cancer. Emelie Gunn has more on the discovery…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Commissioner of administration Jay Dardenne says to avoid deep budget cuts to government services, the state will need to raise revenue. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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LSU researchers are studying body shapes to try to get a better idea of what types of clothing sizes would best fit individual consumers, especially those losing weight. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study out of LSU Health Shreveport finds radiation is being over used to treat elderly woman with breast cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Quyen (Quinn) Chu says woman 70 and older with stage 1 breast cancer shouldn’t be treated with radiation and should talk with doctors about taking another treatment route…

cut 4  (09)  “you need”

 Chu says their research shows that 2/3 of women in this category are still receiving radiation. He says radiation treatment can cause many different complications in patients.

Cut 5  (11)  “the heart”

 Chu hopes that by releasing this study, more doctors will start following what the guidelines call for. He says the reason radiation is still being used is likely because doctors are set in their ways of treating patients.

Cut 6 (11)  “come back” 

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says new revenues, possibly from an additional one-cent increase to the state sales tax, are needed to stave off big cuts to public colleges and health care services. Dardenne says they are being honest with the public when they say, just cutting the budget will not solve this fiscal year’s 750-million dollar shortfall

CUT 7 (11)  “raise some revenue”

Dardenne says they are proposing to use some one-time money, rainy day funds and there are some proposed budget cuts to help with the budget crisis for this fiscal year. But he says additional revenue is also needed to avoid big cuts…

Cut 8  (12)  “that money”

Governor John Bel Edwards will call a three-week long special session later this month and at that time, he’ll ask lawmakers to raise taxes. It’s unclear if the republican-controlled legislature is willing to go along with the governor’s revenue raising plans. Dardenne says they’ve been communicating with G-O-P legislators

Cut 9 (08)  “from happening”

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The Attorney General’s Office has announced six more arrests of people involved in the Lafayette D.A. bribery scandal.  A-G Jeff Landry says the corrupt practices that were being dismissed in this office were ignored by the previous Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell. He says it’s disturbing that action wasn’t taken earlier.

Cut 10 (10) “our act”

Landry says it’s a collaborative effort to clean up corruption in the state in working with the federal authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has already sentenced and convicted 5 others in connection with this case. He says the six people arrested here are some of the ones that have been prosecuted in the federal investigation and are now facing a variety of charges from the state.

cut 11 (08) “public bribery”

 Landry says none of those arrested are currently working in the D.A.’s office. He says the Attorney General’s Office is tired of public corruption.

cut 12 (07) “this state”

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LSU researchers are studying body shapes to try to get a better idea of what types of clothing sizes would best fit individual consumers, especially those losing weight. Casey Stannard, an assistant professor at LSU Ag’s Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising, says there are a lot of misconceptions in the industry about the human form in general…:

Cut 13 (10)  “design better”

They are looking for men and women who are losing weight to participate in this study and receive a 3D body scan with each 10 pounds of loss. Stannard says the hope is use this information to move towards a system where a consumer could get a body scan, and then purchase clothing based on the results…:

Cut 14 (08) “fit them”

Stannard says they are using body scanning technology to learn about ways better-fitting clothing could be developed. She says right now a lot of companies work off of an hour glass, ideal shape — and so few people in the population actually have that shape…:

Cut 15  (06) “win-win for everyone”