New Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson begins meeting with local economic development groups emphasizing small business success. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing to raise the cigarette tax by 22 cents but one organization doesn’t think that’s enough. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 The Edwards Administration has informed public universities in Louisiana that cuts are likely to come this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson begins a statewide tour today, meeting with local economic development groups emphasizing small business success in the state. Pierson says Governor John Bel Edwards has made small business growth a priority of his administration. He says it’s important to learn the different economic development needs from each region of the state…

cut 4  (10)  “southwest Louisiana”

Pierson will make stops today in Tallulah, Delhi, and Alexandria. He says 97-percent of employers across Louisiana are small businesses. Pierson says the state’s current budget crisis will certainly be topic of discussion in how it could impact small business…

Cut 5  (08)  “point for us”

He will also make stops in Lafayette, Thibodaux, Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles and New Orleans before wrapping up February 5th in Baton Rouge. Pierson says economic development starts small and on the local level. He says LED stands ready to help small business flourish with 10 Small Business Development Centers throughout the state…

Cut 6 (07)  “these centers” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has put out a variety of different proposals to help with the state’s budget deficit, one being increasing the cigarette tax by 22 cents. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana campaign Randy Hayden says his organization doesn’t think that’s enough. He says the campaign suggests raising the cigarette tax another $1.25 per pack…

CUT 7 (10)  “needs money”

 Hayden says we had the third lowest cigarette tax in the country until Louisiana increased the tax 50 cents in 2015. He says compared to our surrounding southern states, we still have very low taxes on tobacco products.

Cut 8  (10)  “on it”

Hayden says studies show when the cigarette tax is raised over a dollar that’s when it starts to impact health. He says right now it looks like this proposed tax could go up or down, depending on negotiations…

Cut 9 (11)  “health outcomes”

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Governor John Bel Edwards administration has informed higher education leaders that a cut in state funding to public colleges and universities is likely this fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says at this point it could be as much as 131 million dollars.

Cut 10 (09) “shortfall” 

Dardenne says they’re still in the process of reviewing what’s going to be necessary in order to combine cuts with revenue measures in the hopes of softening the cuts. He says this is just the reality of where we are as a state.

cut 11 (11) “next year”

Dardenne says the governor is open to suggestions from others who have a different approach to the budget problems. He says the goal is to come up with a plan that will not burden taxpayers but at the same time prevent drastic cuts in state funding.

Cut 12 (08) “are provided”

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A St. Tammany Parish jury acquits a former teacher’s aide of molestation of a juvenile. Wendell Troullier (Trool-yay)was arrested by Slidell Police in 2014 after a 10-year-old boy said Troullier touched him inappropriately while at the man’s house. Defense attorney Robby Gill says the lead detective said during the trial that they never took DNA from the child, which led to the jury finding Troullier not guilty

Cut 13 (12)  “penetration”

Troullier was facing a minimum 25-year prison sentence if found guilty. Gill says Troullier was never arrested before this case and he maintained his innocence throughout, even during intense interrogation at police headquarters

Cut 14 (06) “period”

Troullier, who was employed by the St. Tammany Parish School System for 11 years, was fired following his arrest.  Gill says his client would have never been charged if the police gathered DNA evidence from the child…

Cut 15  (06) “guy in jail”

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There’s now a website that seeks to settle the score once and for all, to find out who makes the best king cake. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 68th D.C Mardi Gras takes place this weekend in our nation’s capital and a “Who’s Who” of Louisiana politics will be in attendance, weather permitting. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The subject of who makes the best King Cake comes up every Mardi Gras season, and now there’s a platform which allows enthusiasts to review and rate their favorite. Erica Sweeney is the spokesperson for the site, KingCakeSnob.com. She says, a fun, healthy rivalry goes on among bakeries and Louisiana residents every year, swearing by their favorite king cake…:

CUT 3 (10)  “king cakes”

Sweeney says on KingCakeSnob.com, users can grade different area king cakes on characteristics such as decoration, freshness, flavor, sweetness, style and texture. She says you can give an overall rating as well on a scale of 1-5…:

CUT 4 (06)  “in the area”

Sweeney says everyone who rates cakes on KingCakeSnob.com is entered to win a semi-weekly drawing for a free king cake. She says the results are updated as each user submits a review…:

CUT 5 (10)  “the best looking king cake”

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It’s another big day on the recruiting front for the Fighting Tigers as five-star defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence of Neville High School announced he plans to attend LSU. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the LSU coaches have done an excellent job this year making sure in-state talent stays in Louisiana…

CUT 6 (12) “down in Rummel”

Lawrence is ranked by ESPN as the nation’s sixth best defensive tackle in the country. He chose LSU over Ohio State. Moran says the Monroe product is six-foot-three, 309-pounds and looks like a can’t miss prospect

CUT 7 (12) “rush the quarterback”

Moran says the Tigers are now in excellent position to have the number one recruiting class in the nation once signing day arrives on February 3rd

CUT 8 (10) “lose anybody”

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The 68th D.C Mardi Gras takes place this weekend in our nation’s capital. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says, for the first time in three years, Louisiana’s governor is attending. He says Governor John Bel Edwards is using this opportunity to get a lot of work done…

CUT 9 (11)  “health care policy”

He says, for the Edwards administration, D.C. Mardi Gras is a last hurrah before they begin to knuckle down on the state’s budget crisis. Alford says this year’s event will give political pundits the opportunity to begin handicapping Louisiana’s upcoming US Senate election…

cut 10 (08)  “up here”

Alford says speculation as to who will run in the Senate race will ratchet up after D.C Mardi Gras. He says a veritable “Who’s Who” of Louisiana politics will be in attendance, weather permitting. Alford says there’s a lot of talk about the budget and the upcoming US Senate race, but barely a sentence goes by without a mention of the impending snow…

Cut 11 (10) “fly out early”

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The family of the man who died on New Years after being run over in New Orleans and dragged through the French Quarter for 6 miles, is desperate to find out who is responsible. 28-year-old Josh Woodruff was hailing an Uber around 3am January 1st when he was struck by a four door black sedan and dragged away, according to investigators. Karen Woodruff is Josh’s mom…:

cut 12 (09) “please” 3x

At this time the vehicle has not been found and no arrests have been made. There is a $10,000 reward. Police believe the driver went down several streets in the Quarter before getting on the expressway. Josh’s dad, Mark Woodruff says somebody must have seen something…:

cut 13 (12)  “you need help”

The Woodruffs are from Omaha and Josh, a Harvard graduate, was a resident of Los Angeles and visiting New Orleans to celebrate New Years. Karen Woodruff said they got a text from Josh New Years night…:

cut 14 (10)  “for 2016″

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The mother of the victim in the case that put Derrick Todd Lee on death row said on the Jim Engster Show that the world is a better place now that the serial killer is dead. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed raising taxes as a way to fix the current budget deficit, will lawmakers go along with this? Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Cold temperatures have arrived for the end of the work week. Jeff Palermo has a look at a big change in our weather.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The mother of the victim in the case that put Derrick Todd Lee on death row says the world is a better place now that the serial killer is dead. Lee died at the age of 47 in a Baton Rouge hospital on Thursday. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that Lee got off far easier than her daughter, Charlotte Murray Pace, and the, at least, 6 other victims…:

cut 4  (14)  “deaths”

Charlotte Murray Pace was just 22 when Lee stabbed her 81 times and bludgeoned her with an iron at her Baton Rouge home in 2002. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that Lee’s death does not offer her closure, but she is glad that the case is stopped…:

Cut 5  (08)  “go on from there”

Lee had been sentenced to life for killing 21 year old Geralyn DeSoto in 2002, and death for killing Pace just a few months later — both women had their throats cut. Diane Alexander survived an attack that same year and testified against Lee in both cases. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that only thing she will never be able to remove from her mind about Lee, is the question of why he chose the women he did…:

Cut 6 (12)  “in any way” 

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In an effort to reduce motorcycle fatalities and injuries, Louisiana State Police is getting the word out about a motorcycle training program that’s offered at 10 different locations around the state. Trooper Bryan Lee says this training course helps to build mental and physical skills to safely operate a motorcycle.

CUT 7 (09)  “these crashes”

During 2015 there were nearly two thousand motorcycle related crashes across Louisiana and 80 resulted in death. Lee says they have courses available for basic, intermediate and experienced riders.

Cut 8  (10)  “motorcycle safety”

The training program is offered statewide in 10 locations. Lee says locations and class dates can be found at w-w-w-dot-l-s-p-dot-org-slash-motorcycle-dot-h-t-m-l. (www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html)

Cut 9 (08)  “on riding”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed raising some taxes in efforts to help with the state’s fiscal issues. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes lawmakers might approve these tax hikes but it depends on what they are and who the taxes impact. He says if republican lawmakers agree to the increase, it likely won’t affect their reelection.

Cut 10 (10) “most sense” 

Cross says Governor Edwards has made many proposals for raising revenue and will likely continue to make the point that Louisiana is in dire budget straights. He says the governor is looking into how much support there is for raising taxes in different areas.

cut 11 (10) “70 votes”

Cross says he doesn’t expect much push back from legislators right now given the dismal budget situation the state faces.

Cut 12 (09) “about it”

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Make sure you grab a coat before leaving the house today as the temperatures are much colder than what we experienced yesterday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front has brought us some of the coldest temperatures of the winter…

Cut 13 (04)  “extremely cold”

Keim says to expect the maximum temperature statewide today to be in the 40s, with the warmest part of the day in the morning…

Cut 14 (10) “the daylight hours”

Keim says these temperatures are not uncommon at this time of year, and we could mid-20s Sunday morning in northern Louisiana, which could pose a risk to pipes in those areas. Keim also says it will be breezy today causing a wind chill….

Cut 15  (09) “these air temperatures”

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After losing on the road to Texas A-and-M on Tuesday night, the LSU men’s basketball team looks for a road win tomorrow against Alabama. 2004 was the last time the Tigers went into Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa and came away with a victory. Coach Johnny Jones on why LSU has had trouble at Alabama…

Cut 16  (18)  “tough”

LSU enters league play with a 4-2 record, while Alabama is 1-4 in the SEC. The Crimson Tide’s head coach is New Orleans native Avery Johnson. Jones says Bama’s win over previously nationally ranked South Carolina earlier this season was impressive…

Cut 17 (22 “in the NBA”

Jones says his team will need to rebound the basketball well in this game to win…

Cut 18 (18) “great opportunity”

A cold front moving across Louisiana is bringing the possibility of severe weather and even the chance of snow for some areas of the state. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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South Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee has died. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A cold front moving across Louisiana is bringing the possibility of severe weather and even the chance of snow for some areas of the state. Alek Krautmann, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says the chance of severe weather in south Louisiana will begin this afternoon and continue into the night…

CUT 3 (09)  “wind gusts”

He says severe storms passing through south Louisiana could bring the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. Krautmann says you can expect heavy rains as the storms pass, but it shouldn’t last very long…

CUT 4 (07)  “of the area”

Jason Hansford, with the NWS in Shreveport, says there is a strong chance for snow and a rain/snow mix tonight in north Louisiana. He says the wintry precipitation is expected in the extreme northern part of the state…

CUT 5 (06)  “and Tallulah”

He says a wintry mix of precipitation is forecast for areas along and north of the I-20 corridor. Hansford says if they see any snowfall, it will likely be just a dusting at most…

CUT 6 (09) “of accumulation”

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South Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee has died, according to the state Department of Corrections. Lee was 47. He was convicted in the murders of two women and suspected in the brutal slayings of at least five other women. Lee was sentenced to death in 2004 and had been at Angola since. Corrections spokeswoman Pam Laborde…:

CUT 7 (11) “area hospital”

Multiple sources reported this week that Lee was suffering complications with a pace maker. Laborde could not confirm any additional details on the death of Lee. She says he was transported from the Louisiana State Penitentiary for emergency care on Saturday, January 16th…:

CUT 8 (05) “when appropriate”

Lee received the death sentence for a conviction in the 2002 killing and mutilating of 22-year-old LSU graduate student Charlotte Murray Pace at her Baton Rouge home. John Sinquefield was the lead prosecutor in the case. He hopes the death of Lee provides closure and relief to the surviving victims and family members of the deceased victims…:

CUT 9 (15)  “is closed”

Lee received a separate life sentence after a jury convicted him for second-degree murder in the 2002 killing of 21-year-old Geralyn Barr DeSoto, of Addis. Lee also is suspected in the slayings of Trineisha Dené Colomb, of Lafayette; Randi Mebruer, Zachary; and Pam Kinamore, Carrie Lynn Yoder and Gina Wilson Green, all of Baton Rouge. Sinquefield says Lee deserved the death penalty…:

cut 10 (08)  “no sadness”

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The LSU Professor who was fired for allegedly creating a hostile learning environment held a press conference today to announce she’s suing the university. Teresa Buchanan says she was wrongfully fired for expressing academic freedom. She says it’s a professor’s job to stimulate students thinking and to get them to question assumptions.

Cut 11 (08) “some success”

Buchanan taught teacher education classes for 20 years and was dismissed in the summer after accusations of using vulgar language in the classroom. Buchanan denies that her teaching methods resulted in sexual harassment and she says she would never do anything to hurt LSU…

cut 12 (11) “love LSU”

LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard says LSU takes their responsibility to protect their students’ from abusive behavior very seriously and will vigorously defend students’ rights to a harassment-free environment. Buchanan says she’s filing this lawsuit to protect our most cherished value of freedom.

cut 13 (10)  “forever LSU”

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Higher education leaders from across the state met with Governor John Bel Edwards to plead their case against further cuts as Louisiana deals with a massive budget deficit. The state is facing an estimated $750 million dollar mid-year budget shortfall. State Commissioner of Higher Education, Joe Rallo, says the governor told them he is fully supportive of higher ed but has a very stark reality in terms of the state budget…

cut 14 (09)  “dramatic numbers”

In the past eight years, higher ed has been cut more than $700 million. Rallo says Governor Edwards assured them that if there are cuts to higher ed, they would be part of sweeping budget cuts across the board…

cut 15 (08)  “all of us”

He says college campuses across the state are preparing for potential budget cuts. Rallo says they cannot assume that “business as usual” continues…

cut 16 (07)  “February 13th”

A proposed law will prohibit drones from flying over jails and public and private schools. Emelie Gunn has more on the legislation….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 Rain and the possibility of severe weather is expected today across Louisiana as a cold front moves across the state. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An app developed in Lake Charles that provides delivery from local restaurants to customers is starting to launch in new areas throughout the state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Senate President John Alario says lawmakers are still evaluating the governor’s proposals for fixing Louisiana’s massive budget shortfall. An increase to the state’s sales is one suggestion that’s been put forward by John Bel Edwards. Alario appreciates that the governor has given lawmakers some options…

cut 4  (09)  “to take”

 Alario says it’s wait and see to determine if there is enough support of the governor’s proposed tax hikes, which will take a 2/3 vote. He says lawmakers must do their due diligence to see exactly where the state stands.

Cut 5  (06)  “financial footing ”

 Alario says it’s refreshing that Governor Edwards is giving legislators the chance to come forward with better ideas to solve the budget problems.  He says lawmakers have an obligation to keep taxes as low as possible for taxpayers.

Cut 6 (09)  “or faction” 

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 A bill filed for the upcoming regular session would prohibit the use of drones from conducting surveillance of correctional facilities and public and private schools. Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight proposed the legislation after the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff requested a law to stop the use of drones from flying over his jail.

CUT 7 (10)  “the children”

 Dwight says the Sheriff wants to ensure inmates cannot plot with friends or family on the outside to escape or smuggle in contraband. He says under this law the penalties would be….

Cut 8  (08)  “offense”

Dwight says he doesn’t anticipate any push back with this legislation but is open to critiques and additions. He says drones are so common now that they just want to protect the people of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “drafted”

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Rain and the possibility of severe weather is expected today across Louisiana as a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is statewide. He says there’s probably no area that’s of any greater risk than any other…

Cut 10 (06) “and tornadoes” 

Keim says the risk of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes will persist throughout the day as the front moves across the state. He says this is typical winter weather for Louisiana. Keim says we will get some rain, but you shouldn’t expect a gullywasher…

cut 11 (04) “and-a-half”

He says the front should move out of the state by Friday. Keim says the front will leave us with a nice weekend ahead, but it will be chilly…

Cut 12 (10) “and plants”

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An app developed in Lake Charles that provides delivery from local restaurants to customers is starting to launch in new areas throughout the state. It’s called, “Waitr” (with no E), and for a $5 delivery fee, you can order what you want from participating restaurants who normally don’t bring food to your door. Chris Meaux is the CEO and founder of the app…:

Cut 13 (10)  “delivery”

Waitr is available in Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, and Meaux says they hope to be on board in New Orleans, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe before the end of the year. It’s also available in the Houston market. Meaux says their company does all of the deliveries for the restaurants on their platform…:

Cut 14 (11) “with a smile”

Meaux says since they launched last year in southwest Louisiana, tens of thousands of people have downloaded the app and almost all reviews are positive. He says you order and pay through the app, and you can also tip the driver through the app. Meaux says one of the most popular features is “group order” where several people can get in on a delivery or carryout..:

Cut 15  (10) “cool feature”

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The late West Monroe Football Coach Don Shows highlights the seven-member class that’s been elected into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. Shows is fourth on Louisiana’s all-time wins list and won eight state titles. West Monroe Representative and the former voice of the Rebels, Frank Hoffman says Shows built West Monroe into a football powerhouse

Cut 16  (14)  “there”

Shows also coached at Pineville and Jonesboro-Hodge. At West Monroe, Shows also helped develop Andrew Whitworth and Bradie James into NFL players, but Hoffman says the legendary coach didn’t need a lot of talented kids to win..

Cut 17 (16) “what it became”

Also in the Class of 2016 is former LSU star and Major Leaguer Todd Walker, who was a star baseball player at Airline High School in Bossier City. Walker was the Class 4A MVP in 1991 as he hit .525 with six home runs. Walker says it’s quite an honor to get in the High School Hall of Fame

Cut 18 (09) “doing”

Walker is also a member of the LSU Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and College Baseball Hall of Fame. The former infielder in the majors says he’ll never forget his senior season at Airline High School, when they lost just one game…

Cut 19 (16) “minute of it”

(Former Parkview Baptist Coach Kenny Guillot, Former St. Joseph’s volleyball coach Brenda LeBlanc, former Southwood girls basketball coach Steve McDowell, former Parkview baseball coach ML Woodruff and journalist Ron Brocato are also members of the 2016 class.)

Cut 20 (08) “of him”

Governor John Bel Edwards has offered a plan to the state legislature to address the state’s budget crisis. Eric Gill has a look at what Republicans think about it…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A New Orleans woman has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of her 3-year-old grandchild. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has offered several options to the state legislature to address the state’s budget crisis. House Majority Leader, Republican Lance Harris of Alexandria, says the delegation is still studying the governor’s plan. He says House Republicans will work on their own plan to deal with the fiscal mess in the coming weeks…

CUT 3 (08)  “matches up”

Harris says he appreciates the governor being so candid about the budget numbers. Governor Edwards has proposed a one-cent hike in the state’s sales tax. In regards to that, Harris says you have to look at everything in its entirety and he just hasn’t had time to form an opinion on the issue…

CUT 4 (09)  “on that”

He believes everyone in the legislature and the Edwards administration is committed to fix the state’s budget problems. Harris says it’s still early in the process and a lot is up in the air, right now…

CUT 5 (11)  “for everybody”

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The current, sharp drop in the price of oil is having an adverse effect on the state’s budget. This morning the price of crude oil dropped below $27 a barrel. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says diminishing mineral revenues are doing a real number on the budget…

CUT 6 (11) “dropped again”

Projected oil revenues are used in creating the state budget. He says the budget has already been adjusted twice because of declining oil prices and may have to be adjusted again. Moeller says not only are shrinking mineral revenues hurting the budget, oil field layoffs are as well…

CUT 7 (08) “sales tax collections”

Noble Drilling has announced a layoff of 100 to 120 employees due to the anticipated shutdown of a rig offshore. Moeller says the massive drop in oil prices is a very serious problem across the board in Louisiana…

CUT 8 (09) “stay afloat”

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A New Orleans woman has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of her 3-year-old grandson. New Orleans Police says 43-year-old Deonca Kennedy first reported that the gun was under her pillow and went off hitting the child in the chest — then refused to cooperate with police or give a statement. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the police should’ve done more testing before filing charges…

CUT 9 (08)  “have waited”

Kennedy has been charged with negligent homicide and second degree cruelty to a juvenile. Meche says a variety of tests will be conducted to find out how the gun was fired…

cut 10 (09)  “the gun”

Meche says there needs to be more investigating as to who owned the firearm and why it was there. He says in some New Orleans neighborhoods having a loaded gun in your home isn’t uncommon.

Cut 11 (11) “the crime”

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How much pressure is on the state legislature to go along with Governor John Bel Edwards budget repair proposals which include raising taxes? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with elections a few years down the road, right now lawmakers are more concerned about the thoughts of the constituents back in their districts…:

cut 12 (10) “conservative districts”

Pinsonat says Edwards is tasked with convincing voters across Louisiana that we need this much revenue…:

cut 13 (10)  “back home”

Pinsonat says former Governor Bobby Jindal was heavily criticized for leaving office with such a big deficit by moving money around, but one thing he didn’t do was raise taxes. Pinsonat says now the public is faced with whether or not they want the burden of filling the budget hole on their shoulders…:

cut 14 (11)  “controversial”

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Governor John Bel Edwards calls for a higher state sales tax as one way to close a 750-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to an analysis by the personal finance website WalletHub, it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Louisiana Family Forum is searching for Louisiana’s longest married couple. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards proposes adding one-cent to the state’s existing four-cent sales tax as a way to address a 750-million dollar budget shortfall for this fiscal year. Edwards will also provide lawmakers with other options as a way to raise revenue quickly and they include a higher telecommunications tax on all telephones and another increase to the cigarette tax

cut 4  (09)  “menu of options”

Edwards plans to call a three-week special session starting on February 14th. It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass any tax increase. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says another option for legislators to consider is legislation to require internet sales tax collection…

Cut 5  (10)  “sales tax free”

Edwards also proposes tapping into the rainy day fund, redirecting non-coastal dollars from the BP settlement and cutting discretionary state funds. Republican lawmakers will likely oppose plans for higher taxes and instead call for more cuts to the budget. Edwards says he’s willing to discuss that issue

Cut 6 (12)  “those cuts” 

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According to the personal finance website WalletHub, it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. The report, The True Cost of Smoking By State, finds one resident in Louisiana spends about $24,000 a year in smoking-related costs. WalletHub spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says it’s based on societal and economic factors…:

CUT 7 (05)  “on cigarettes”

WalletHub found the total cost over a lifetime per smoker in Louisiana amounts to about $1.2 million dollars. Gonzalez says that’s half of what smokers in New York pay. She says the out of pocket expense for a smoker in Louisiana who picks up a pack a day is about $1700 a year…:

Cut 8  (09)  “per day”

Gonzalez says, direct costs aside, Louisianians will lose an estimated $183,500 over a lifetime if they smoke due to workplace bias, missing work or being less productive due to health issues. She says the main reason it costs less to be a smoker in Louisiana is because they don’t have to dig too deep in their wallets at the store…:

Cut 9 (10)  “to none”

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With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Louisiana Family Forum is searching for the state’s “Longest Married Couple” to share their story and commitment of marriage. President Gene Mills says it’s a great honor to meet these couples who have survived the test of time. He says it’s not every day you meet people together for 70 plus years…

Cut 10 (10) “involved” 

Mills says last year, Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton were recognized as the longest known married couple in the state at 80 years together. He says when talking to the Player’s you’re dealing with authentic Louisiana history.

cut 11 (08) “to capture”

Mills says most people enter into marriage assuming until death do us part but now-a-days it doesn’t always work that way. He says finding the longest married couple encourages others that marriage and family is a lasting and rewarding endeavor. (To enter a couple married for over 70 years contact the LFF before February 5^th.)

Cut 12 (10) “and marriage”

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US Congressman Ralph Abraham is upset with the Department of Veteran Affair’s choice to lead health care operations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Skye McDougall has been appointed to oversee medical centers in Alexandria, Shreveport and New Orleans. Abraham says McDougall provided false testimony about four day wait times at V-A centers in Los Angeles.

Cut 13 (08)  “50 days”

Abraham believes the new director should be someone that is not involved in this scandal. McDougall was oringinally appointed to a position in Phoenix, but after Senator John McCain objected, she was appointed to her current position. Abraham says the VA should not use Louisiana as a place to deposit unwanted employees.

Cut 14 (11) “of the country”

VA officials have defended McDougall’s testimony. Abraham says McDougall’s appointment is another example of how the VA is more concerned with protecting high-level bureaucrats than caring for veterans. Abraham says this highlights the necessity for legislation to reform the office of Veterans Affairs.

Cut 15  (10) “entrenched bureaucrats”

The price at the pump continues to fall all across Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State health officials say the worst of the current flu season is still to come and they’re encouraging everyone to make sure they are vaccinated. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Gas prices continue to fall all across Louisiana. GasBuddy-dot-com reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped six cents in the past week. Spokesperson Gregg Laskoski says Louisiana’s average price per gallon has fallen to $1.67…

CUT 3 (08)  “the gas pump”

He says the lowest gas price in the state is $1.41 a gallon reported at a location in Kenner. Laskoski says falling gas prices is becoming a nationwide trend…

CUT 4 (09)  “crude oil prices”

He says falling gas prices are a direct result of the rapid drop in crude oil prices. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude has plunged below $30 a barrel as a result of the lifting of sanctions against Iran, which will add more oil to an already glutted market. Laskoski says oil prices could drop even further…

CUT 5 (07)  “25 dollars”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals says the worst of the current influenza season is still to come and they encourage everyone to get a flu shot. Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says it’s fortunate that flu season has been very slow, to date, in Louisiana. Welch thinks there’s one big reason for the slow start…

CUT 6 (09) “around the country”

He says doctor visits for flu-like symptoms in the state are down around 50-percent from this time last year. Welch says flu activity is increasing in other parts of the country and it’s only a matter of time before it hits Louisiana…

CUT 7 (06) “in activity”

He says they expect flu activity to increase in the state over the next couple of weeks. With the heart of flu season coming, Welch says it’s not too late to get that flu shot…

CUT 8 (08) “it gets here”

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The artists performing at the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Morrison, Snoop Dog and many more. Festival producer Quint Davis says each year they strive to book acts that offer a little something for everyone..:

CUT 9 (11)  “gonna like” (2x)

The lineup at nojazzfest.com, announced this morning, includes the individual days each artist will perform the 7 dates between, April 22nd through May 1st. Davis says, of course, the Louisiana and New Orleans staple musicians, who have now become big names in their own right, can be heard at Jazzfest this year as well.

cut 10 (12)  “Big Freedia”

This is the 47th edition of the annual festival. Time slots will be released closer to the festival. Davis says the “food festival” itself is considered one of the best in the nation even without the music….:

Cut 11 (12) “under $10″

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The ex-mayor of Sorrento has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and animal cruelty charges. Spokesperson for the 23^rd District Attorney’s Office Charlotte Guedry says under the plea deal Wilson Longanecker, Jr. will spend 40 years in jail.  She says the D-A’s office was ready to go to trial with a forensic veterinarian that testified in the Michael Vick case.

cut 12 (10) “to trial”

Guedry says Longnecker is charged with 40 counts of child porn and seven counts of animal cruelty. She says the videos found at Longanecker’s Sorrento home involved minor girls, some as young as three years old.

cut 13 (02)  “to watch”

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A Lamborghini was found completely burned outside of H and O Investments in Baton Rouge this morning. H & O Investments pulled out of a contract last week to remove Confederate monuments in New Orleans. Attorney Roy Maughan, Jr. says in recent weeks, the company owner, David Mahler, received personal death threats at home and work.

cut 14 (09)  “is one”

Maughan says authorities are working to determine if the fire is related to the removal of the monuments. He says Mahler believes the story isn’t about him but about what the city council of New Orleans voted to do.

cut 15 (10)  “the threat”

Maughan says Mahler is concerned that because his Lamborghini was set on fire, the death threats he received might not be idle. He says Mahler is trying to handle it the best way he can by reporting the incident…

cut 16 (08)  “a relationship”

Today, the Louisiana Department of Education begins accepting applications for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Visitation is today for a former leader in the legislature, a mayor and businessman. Jeff Palermo has more on the passing of Raymond LaBorde…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue begins accepting your 2015 tax returns today. Michelle Southern has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Today, the Louisiana Department of Education begins accepting applications for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Louisiana Federation for Children President Ann Duplesis says about 7,100 students are currently participating and they expect the demand to remain high…

cut 4  (11)  “those options”

The program provides vouchers to low-income families to send their child to a participating private school, if the student is in a low performing public school. The state is facing monumental budget issues, but Duplessis says the program should continue to grow, because the voucher program actually saves the state money…

Cut 5  (10)  “in MFP dollars”

She’s hopeful Governor John Bel Edwards, a critic of the voucher program, will look at this as a priority for both the state and parents. The deadline to apply is February 26th. Duplessis says this is a great opportunity for parents to give their children access to a better education…

Cut 6 (09)  “works best” 

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Visitation is today for former state legislator and ex-mayor of Marksville, Raymond Laborde, who passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Former governor Edwin Edwards grew up with Laborde in Marksville and says Laborde was an influential lawmaker during his 20 years in the state legislature

CUT 7 (08)  “he was”

Laborde was in the state legislature from 1972 to 1992. He was the mayor of Marskville from 1958 to 1970 and also served as Commissioner of Adminstration during Edwards final term in office, which was in the 90s. Edwards says Laborde was a successful politician because he was a people person

Cut 8  (07)  “I did”

Laborde also owned and operated Raymond’s Department Store in Marksville. Edwards says Laborde was still heavily involved with the store in his final days…

(Funeral services are Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.)

Cut 9 (12)  “been my life”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue, along with the I-R-S, start accepting income tax returns today. Federal returns are due April 15^th. L-D-R spokesperson Kizzy Payton says you’ll have until May 16^th  to file your state returns. She says this year, they’ve implemented enhanced security measures to protect taxpayers against fraud, which is something they started focusing on a couple of years ago

Cut 10 (10) “initiative” 

Payton says the Department of Revenue suggests taxpayers filed their returns electronically to ensure quick processing. She also advises taxpayers choose a reputable tax preparer.

cut 11 (10) “for references”

Payton says if you decide to have a tax preparer work on your taxes, the taxpayer is the one ultimately responsible.

Cut 12 (10) “tax preparer”

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A recent study finds Louisiana drivers don’t save much money on their car insurance for choosing larger deductibles. According to InsuranceQuotes.com, Louisiana is ranked third last in offering the biggest car insurance savings when deductibles are increased from $500-$1000. Senior analyst Laura Adams says it amounts to a savings of about 6%, on average…:

Cut 13 (10)  “how little it is”

Adams says it amounts to about a $60-65 dollar a year savings for Louisiana motorists. She says this is important information for someone who lives paycheck-to-paycheck and couldn’t afford to pay a $1000 deductible out of pocket…:

Cut 14 (09) “$65″

Adams says Louisiana already has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, so it may be tempting to do whatever it takes to reduce your premium….:

Cut 15  (10) “Louisiana drivers”

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Two starters on LSU’s defense this past season decided they can wait another year before they start making money in the NFL. Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’davious White announced they will return for their senior seasons. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says Beckwith still needs another season in college, before he’s ready for the NFL and Beckwith’s return bodes well for the Tigers

Cut 16  (10)  “linebacker position”

Detillier says he’s surprised White is returning, because he had a chance to be selected in the first round…

Cut 17 (11) “football team”

In years past, LSU has seen multiple juniors skip their senior season and enter the NFL draft. This year, the Tigers will likely lose only one player and that’s offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins. Detillier gives credit to head coach Les Miles for retaining his draft eligible juniors

Cut 18 (15) “done by Les”

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The LSU Tigers face a big test on the road tonight when they visit 10th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are a pefect 5-0 in the SEC and feature one of the top players in the SEC in Jalen Jones, who is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds a game. LSU basketball analyst Ricky Blanton says the Tigers can counter with freshman sensation Ben Simmons

Cut 19 (15) “guarding Ben”

Blanton says the Tigers will have to keep an eye on Danuel House, who is averaging almost 16 points a game….

Cut 20 (08) “of him”

10 years ago today the New Orleans Saints announced Sean Payton as their new head coach. Eric Gill has more on Payton’s impact to the team…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Warning labels on sugary beverages may keep parents from buying them for their kids, according to recent research published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (32)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Baton Rouge Police have arrested a teenager after he accidentally fired a round from a shotgun killing his friend. Cpl. Don Coppola says 17-year-old Ahmad Antoine is charged with negligent homicide in the death of 17-year-old Devin Anderson. Coppola says the shooting happened at a home on Birch Street…

CUT 3 (10)  “of the friends”

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Antoine turned himself in to police shortly after the shooting. Coppola says the investigation is ongoing, but they do have a good idea of what happened with the shotgun…

CUT 4 (09)  “injured Anderson”

He says detectives are still working to determine how the teens came in possession of the shotgun. Authorities say Antoine insists there was no altercation between him and Anderson and the shooting was an accident. Coppola says this is truly an unfortunate incident…

CUT 5 (08)  “it was not”

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It was 10 years ago today the New Orleans Saints announced Sean Payton as their new head coach. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Payton has led the Saints to unprecedented success during his tenure. He says Payton has proven that the Black & Gold can do more than just make the playoffs…

CUT 6 (10) “organization, totally”

Payton has led the Saints to three division titles and a Super Bowl championship. Detillier says Payton’s hiring, which came months after Hurricane Katrina, not only rejuvenated the team, but the city as well. He says there was a lot of uncertainty in whether the Saints would stay in New Orleans when Payton was hired…

CUT 7 (10) “high moments”

One of Payton’s first moves as head coach was to sign free agent quarterback Drew Brees. The Black & Gold are coming off their second straight losing season. Detillier says fixing the team’s defense will determine how long Payton will remain with the Saints…

CUT 8 (11) “is 2016″

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Warning labels on sugary beverages may keep parents from buying them for their kids, according to recent research published in the Journal of Pediatrics. LSU Health Clinical Psychologist Michelle Moore says this study proves that parents should be more informed about what their children are eating and drinking…:

CUT 9 (10)  “sugar high”

The online study asked moms and dads to choose drinks from a vending machine, and 60 percent selected the sugar beverage without the label, while just 40 percent picked the sweetened drink with a stamp reminding of associated health risks. Moore says parents may not know that seemingly innocent looking drinks contain so much sugar…:

cut 10 (06)  “to them”

Moore says extra sugary drink consumption could become a public health issue, particularly with children. California is proposing legislation that would put text warning labels on sweetened nonalcoholic drinks with added sweeteners with 75 or more calories per 12 ounces. Moore hopes Louisiana would eventually see the benefit of such a measure…:

Cut 11 (04) “at the store”

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How much should average investors worry about the continuous slide in stock prices? So far, 2016 is being called Wall Street’s worst start to a year ever. Helen Graf, executive investment manager at Graf Financial, says the tide will turn and if your portfolio is built well, you will be able to withstand these down times…:

cut 12 (07) “so critical”

Graf says if your affairs are out of balance, now is not the time to start making changes…:

cut 13 (09)  “buying opportunity”

Graf says the best thing to do right now is to avoid looking at your statements. She says in 2007-2008, during the worst crash since the Great Depression, the market evened back out a few years later…:

cut 14 (07)  “you should be fine”

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