US Senator David Vitter has picked up the endorsement of fellow Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany in this year’s governor’s race. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana has increased the number of tourists and set another record for the industry.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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US Senator David Vitter has picked up the endorsement of fellow Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany in this year’s governor’s race. Vitter is one of three Republicans eyeing the state’s highest elected office. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says being endorsed by a sitting congressman is a good thing…

CUT 3 (05)  “means something”

Vitter also picked up the endorsement of three-term Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel. Cross says the combination of these two endorsements are an indication of Vitter’s strength in the upcoming gubernatorial election…

CUT 4 (05)  “favorite to beat”

Cross says this is kind of a slap in the face for Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle as these endorsements come from his home region. He says the backing of Boustany and Durel is a real win-win for the Vitter campaign…

CUT 5 (07)  “and Angelle”

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An escaped inmate charged with murder has been captured and a guard at a mental facility in East Feliciana Parish has been arrested in connection with the prisoner’s escape. State Police trooper Melissa Matey says 37-year-old Antonio Webb was arrested after they interviewed several employees at the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health Hospital where prisoner Lorenza Conner was being held..:

CUT 6 (07)  “helped Conner escape”

Conner got out of a DHH transport vehicle in Orleans Parish and he was re-arrested this morning at a laundromat in Jefferson Parish.  Matey says the investigation into Conner’s escape is still ongoing….

CUT 7 (06)  “he escaped”

Matey says Webb has been booked with Malfeasance in Office…:

CUT 8 (12)  “to his escape”

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Former four-term governor Edwin Edwards is now a licensed real estate agent. Edwards says he got his broker’s licence last week and he’s excited at the prospect of getting back to work. He says that just because his political career has ended, he’s not completely retired…

CUT 9 (09)  “obvious reasons”

Edwards says he has to supplement his retirement income because he has a family to support. His wife Trina also received her real estate license. Edwards says as a team, he will concentrate on commercial properties while she will focus on residential properties…

cut 10 (10) “very much doing”

Edwards says he had a broker’s license years ago but gave it up. He lost in last December’s runoff election for the Sixth District Congressional seat. Edwards says that while he wants to focus on commercial properties, he’s just getting started and all options are open…

cut 11 (10)  “to list it”

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana has increased the number of tourists and set another record for the industry. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says there were 27.7 million people who visited Louisiana in 2014 which is a 5 percent increase over the year before…:

cut 12 (09)  “who don’t live here”

Dardenne says the revenue generated through visitors represents a more than 38-1 return on investment of state funding. He says this is great news for Louisiana and also means a lot of spending around the state at restaurants, bars, attractions, hotels and more…:

cut 13 (09)  “generated”

Dardenne says there was $11.2 billion dollars in total visitor spending in 2014 and $836 million dollars in state tax revenue generated. He credits the great year in tourism to creative marketing, dedicated industry leaders throughout the state and an incredible product in the many passions Louisiana offers…:

cut 14 (10)  “major conventions”

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Avoyelles Parish corrections officer in connection with the escape of a female inmate last week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The Louisiana SPCA is encouraging folks to celebrate Easter responsibly and think before you buy live bunnies and chicks as pets. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

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Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory wants Louisiana residents to vote on whether an unborn child should have legal rights at the moment of conception. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (26) “reporting”

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Avoyelles Parish Correctional Center officer in connection with the escape of a female inmate last week. Sheriff’s office spokesman Robert Martin says 47-year-old Michelle George reported that Felicia Daigle escaped while being transported from Assumption to Avoylles parish. He says their investigation found that George actually stopped the vehicle in Paintcourville…

cut 4  (07)  “to buy drugs”

He says George allowed Daigle to exit the vehicle so she could go and buy drugs. When Daigle didn’t return, George sent another inmate to find her. That inmate returned unable to find Daigle. Martin says George then met a third party at a gas station and came up with the story that Daigle escaped…

Cut 5  (08)  “has escaped”

Daigle was found hiding at her home in Labadieville and now faces an additional charge of simple escape. George is charged with assisting escape, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office. Martin says it’s shocking that a corrections officer would do this, but hopefully some good will come out of it…

Cut 6 (10)  “above reproach”

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The Louisiana SPCA is encouraging folks to celebrate Easter responsibly and think before you buy live bunnies and chicks as pets. Spokeswoman Destinie (Destiny) Hammond says hundreds of rabbits are turned in to local shelters or released into the wild shortly after the Easter holiday…:

CUT 7 (07)  “might adopt”

Hammond says when it comes to Easter bunnies, they encourage you to go chocolate. She says while rabbits can make a great companion animals, they encourage people to thoroughly research the care of these fragile creatures before making a casual decision to bring one home…:

Cut 8  (07)  “things like that” 

Hammond says rabbits can live 10-15 years and require as much care as a dog or a cat. She says they want to discourage impulse purchases of cute little bunnies and chicks…:

Cut 9 (09)  “they come here”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a man is behind bars on felony stalking charges after allegedly continuously harassing a female victim. Lt. Tommy Carnline says the woman told cops that 47-year-old Christopher Charles LAmmons of Alexandria would not leave her alone…:

Cut 10 (09) “had given”

Carnline says a warrant was obtained for Lammons’ arrest as well as a search warrant for his residence for additional evidence…:

cut 11 (08) “to our victim”

Carnline says because Lammons’ charges are domestic in nature, a new law that went into affect last year mandates that he stay in jail without bond under “Gwen’s Law”…:

cut 12 (05)  “just cause”

______________________________________

Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory files a constitutional amendment that would let voters decide if life begins at conception. Guillory’s proposed change to the constitution would give unborn children the same legal rights that all other people enjoy….

Cut 13 (11)  “is pro life”

Guillory says this constitutional amendment would not make abortions illegal in Louisiana, but it lets the world know that Louisiana is a pro life state

Cut 14 (10) ”  beyond that”

Guillory says the constitutional amendment will also make abortions automatically illegal, if Roe versus Wade is overturned. The legislation is referred to as “personhood” but similar proposals have failed to pass in other states. But Guillory likes his chances in Louisiana….

Cut 15  (07)  “pro life”

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The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against Alabama. Sophomore left-hander Jared Poche will get the start on the mound for the Tigers, and Coach Paul Mainieri has all the confidence in the world in Poche…

Cut 16  (16)  “good start”

The series will NOT be played in Tuscaloosa, because of ongoing renovations with Alabama’s ball park. So the games will be played just outside of Birmingham at the same ball park where the SEC Tournament is held. Mainieri says his teams have won five SEC Tournament titles at the Hoover Met….

Cut 17 (15)  “big hits”

LSU blew a couple of late leads in dropping its series with Kentucky this past weekend. But Mainieri says he still has faith in his bullpen and he’s seen arms emerge as the season has gone on….

Cut 18 (13) ” count on’

Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Taylor Teepell and Matt Parker will move to the Hawkeye State where they’ll work for the governor’s new political organization called the America Future Project. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this shows how serious Jindal is about running for president…

CUT 3 (09)  “governor’s office”

Recent poll numbers have not been kind to the governor. They show Jindal polling in the single digits, well behind other expected Republican candidates for the nomination. Alford says no eventual president has polled below 15-percent at this point in the process and been successful with the exception of Bill Clinton…

CUT 4 (10)  “comeback kid”

Alford says despite the seemingly steep uphill battle in front of him, Jindal is moving forward with his campaign plans. The governor is expected to make an announcement following this year’s legislative session. Alford says presidential candidates often run for the office with other aspirations in mind…

CUT 5 (08)  “in their future”

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The prison population in Louisiana is going down for the first time in years. Secretary of Corrections Jimmy LeBlanc told the House Appropriations Committee that from 2006-2009 the state added about 1200 new prisoners a year. He says if that would have continued, there would have been about 44,000 inmates at the end of 2014 instead of closing the year with about 38,000 prisoners…:

CUT 6 (07)  “on that same pace”

LeBlanc says since 2012, Louisiana has seen a drop of almost 3000 inmates. He credits changes in sentencing laws and strong re-entry programs…:

CUT 7 (05)  “annually”

Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation. LeBlanc says the numbers not coming back to prisons annually is a huge financial gain for the state and it continues to get better. He says these numbers indicate that what they are doing to keep people from coming back to prison after the leave is working…:

CUT 8 (05)  “good things”

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A former Elton High School teacher and basketball coach has pleaded guilty to having inappropriate sexual relationships with students. 35-year-old Justin Fruge (froo-JHAY’) pleaded guilty to one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney Michael Cassidy says Fruge faces up to ten years in prison…

CUT 9 (10)  “for 15 years”

Fruge will also lose his teaching certificate and have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20. Cassidy says most of Fruge’s victims preferred to not have to testify in court, but thought Fruge should have a felony on his record and not be allowed to teach again…

cut 10 (07) “his actions”

Fruge was facing numerous charges of sexual misconduct, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge after parents of the victims requested the charges be reduced. Cassidy says all of the victims supported the plea. He says by pleading this quickly, it allows the victims and the Town of Elton to move on and let the healing begin…

cut 11 (08)  “or coach, again”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. They say 24-year-old Michael Portis is believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Michael Price who was a married father of three. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the community is sending a strong message…:

cut 12 (06)  “gonna convict you”

There was a $15,000 reward being offered in the case and cops say it was multiple tips to Crimestoppers which help lead detectives to Portis. Robert Redesco is the regional vice president for local Domino’s franchisee RPM Pizza LLC. He says their number one goal is to keep their team members safe…:

cut 13 (09)  “by voice”

Redesco says online donations for Price’s family have gone over $30,000 and there have also been several thousands of dollars given by Dominos chains across the region. Darlene Cusanza, president and CEO of Crimestoppers GNO says the entire $15,000 reward will be paid out…: (Portis is expected to face first-degree murder charges.)

cut 14 (06)  “a reward”

Tonight, the Investigation Discovery show “Web of Lies” will feature the story of the kidnapping, murder, and arrest of 12-year-old Justin Bloxom’s killer. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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A proposal designed to control the cost of TOPS will be promoted an 11:00 press conference today. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

An $8,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot a bald eagle in Caddo Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Tonight, Investigation Discovery’s documentary style show “Web of Lies” will feature the story of the kidnapping, murder, and arrest of 12-year-old Justin Bloxom’s killer. Bloxom’s body was found in a shallow pool of water in Stonewall in March of 2010. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says the show can bring to light how vulnerable our children are and how predators operate…

cut 4  (10)  “in this case”

Brian Horn, a previously convicted sex offender, was sentenced to death for Justin’s murder last year. Horn lured Bloxom to his death with fake text messages, pretending to be a girl from his school. Arbuckle says Justin’s story should be a reminder to parents to keep up with what their kids are doing…

Cut 5  (09)  “on with them”

Amy Bloxom Fletcher, Justin’s mom, agreed to share the story to remind people about the dangers children can face from predators through social media and texting. Several people involved in the case were interviewed for the show. Arbuckle says he supports the program airing tonight at 9…

Cut 6 (07)  “what they’re doing”

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Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue files legislation that he says will control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program. Donahue says under his bill a baseline would be set on how much a student receives for tuition and that dollar amount will not go up in future years, unless the legislature votes to change it

CUT 7 (09)  “school increases”

Every year the cost of the TOPS program for the state grows by the millions, because of rising tuition costs at public colleges. Donahue under his bill the TOPS award stays the same for a student through their college career, even if tuition goes up

Cut 8  (08)  “53 hundred” 

Higher education officials and the Taylor Foundation, which started the TOPS program, will promote Donahue’s bill at an 11 o’ clock press conference today in Baton Rouge. Donahue says there’s support for each TOPS recipient receiving the same amount of money, regardless if tuition is up from the year before

Cut 9 (10)  “increased by the legislature”

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It’s the peak of crawfish harvest season and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office is increasing patrols around crawfish ponds to deter thieves from stealing crawfish. Lt. Clay Higgins says deputies have been guarding ponds annually since 2011…

Cut 10 (08) “across the parish”

Higgins says the sheriff’s office is determined to protect the crop for the parish’s crawfish farmers. He says officers often are waiting in the dark, blacked out in their patrol unit, watching for any suspicious activity. Higgins says if you steal just $300 in crawfish, that’s a felony and the penalty is very stiff…

cut 11 (04) “hard labor”

He says a thief could get two years of hard labor for stealing just a few sacks of crawfish. Higgins says these additional patrols have been very successful in keeping the number of crawfish thefts down…

cut 12 (08)  “over four years”

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Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards, blames republican candidate Scott Angelle for helping to create the state’s one-point-six billion dollar budget deficit. Angelle is currently a Public Service Commissioner, but he previously served in Bobby Jindal’s administration. Edwards made the swipe at Angelle during a governor’s forum in Baton Rouge

Cut 13 (09)  “light the match”

During Angelle’s opening statement, he said his door would be open to solutions from anyone when it comes to the state’s budget problems

Cut 14 (11) “tax program”

Governor Bobby Jindal is using the Americans for Tax Reform and it’s “no tax” pledge to develop solutions for the state’s current budget woes, but Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says the answer to Louisiana’s problems are not in Washington D-C

Cut 15  (06)  “our state”

The candidates appeared at a lunchtime forum that was put together by Louisiana’s small business community. Republican Senator David Vitter expressed his strong opposition to Jindal’s plan to scale back the state’s inventory tax credit as a way to raise revenues for state government

Cut 16  (12)  “job creators”

A poll from LSU finds Louisiana residents like the concept behind Common Core, until you call it “Common Core.” Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana alleges that Albert Hardison, principal at Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School in Shreveport, engaged in unlawful religious coercion by using God, prayer, and Christianity in school publications. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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As body cameras are being introduced to more law enforcement agencies across the state, a Baton Rouge lawmaker wants to make it a requirement that all law enforcement officers are equipped with the new technology. State Representative Dalton Honore says the use of body cameras can protect both citizens and police officers…

CUT 3 (08)  “down tremendously”

Honore says body cameras can solve a lot of issues between citizens and law enforcement, similar to what dashboard cameras on police vehicles have done…

CUT 4 (05)  “a vehicle”

He says there have been recent incidents around the country where the use of body cameras would have answered a lot of questions. Honore feels that a body camera is a great tool in keeping everyone honest…

CUT 5 (07)  “great protection”

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A poll conducted by LSU finds Louisiana residents oppose education standards that are called Common Core, but support the concept. Doctor Michael Henderson, director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, says when citizens were asked if they support Common Core, only 39-percent said yes….

CUT 6 (07)  “67-percent support it”

Henderson says when they didn’t use the term “Common Core” and asked residents if they support higher academic standards that allows Louisiana to compare student achievement with other states 67-percent support it.

Henderson says the poll also shows the public is poorly informed on who developed the education standards for common core. He says that’s based on the answers they got when they asked who developed the standards, the federal government or the state

CUT 7 (06)  “some guessing”

Henderson says the political fighting over Common Core shows that it has tainted the Common Core brand….

CUT 8 (11)  “Common Core”

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana allegesthat Albert Hardison, principal at Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School in Shreveport, engaged in unlawful religious coercion by using God, prayer, and Christianity in school publications. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they recently learned of a newsletter Hardison sent home to parents ahead of standardized testing…

CUT 9 (09)  “on the test”

She says the school’s website also features a “Principal’s Message” that includes references to God and Christ. Esman says these references are a direct violation of the separation of Church and State. She says it’s troubling because Hardison should know what the Constitution says about this…

cut 10 (11) “good example” (2x)

In a statement, Caddo Parish Public Schools say they are investigating and taking steps to ensure school employees are not violating the Constitution. Esman says a letter has been sent to Caddo Parish School Superintendent Lamar Goree asking that all religious references be removed from the school’s website…

cut 11 (08)  “breaking the law”

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Indiana is taking a lot of heat for its new “religious freedom” law. Sarah Jane Brady, with the Forum for Equality, hopes Louisiana can learn from Indiana when they push a law in the upcoming session that protects discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity…

cut 12 (10)  “here in Louisiana”

Every year, lawmakers in Baton Rouge shoot down bills to protect the L-G-B-T community and there’s also a constitutional amendment on the books that bans gay marriages in Louisiana. Brady hopes what has happened in Indiana will lead to changes with Lousiaina’s discrimination laws

cut 13 (10)  “need protection”

Critics of Indiana’s law says it allows businesses to discriminate against gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender individuals. Brady says they’ll seek to pass a law in the upcoming session to make sure the LGBT community is protected from discrimination in Louisiana

cut 14 (11)  “community”

The four announced candidates for governor will discuss issues impacting small businesses in a forum hosted by National Federation of Independent Business. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

A Lafayette legislator proposes a bill that would require state high school students to pass a test equal to the civics portion of the US Naturalization Test. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Supporters for Common Core in Louisiana public schools have won a legal battle. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Today the National Federation of Independent Business, along with the Louisiana Restaurant Association and the Louisiana Retailers Association, will host a panel discussion featuring the four announced candidates for governor. Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns expects a good crowd to listen to what these candidates have to say…

cut 4  (08)  “business in mind”

The 90-minute forum will take place in Baton Rouge. Starns expects the candidates to address several issues regarding small business…

Cut 5  (09)  “incentive programs”

Starns says this is a great opportunity for small business owners to make an informed decision on who they will support in this year’s governor’s race…

Cut 6 (08)  “of our economy”

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A Lafayette legislator proposes a bill that would require state high school students to pass a test equal to the civics portion of the US Naturalization Test. Senator Page Cortez says 92-percent of immigrants pass the naturalization test, while studies have shown that less than 4-percent of US born high school students are capable of getting a passing grade…

CUT 7 (10)  “natural born citizens”

He says there is a concern nationally that that naturalized citizens know more about our government than natural-born citizens. Cortez says his bill ultimately make this test a requirement for graduation…

Cut 8  (08)  “pass civics” 

Cortez says this is part of a national movement called the “Civics Initiation Initiative” that hopes to have this implemented in all 50 states by 2017. He says there’s more to this than just smarten up kids in civics class…

Cut 9 (06)  “public service”  (2x)

______________________________________

A Bossier Parish man’s bond is set at three-million dollars and he faces up to 120 years in prison if convicted on child pornography charges. State Police trooper Matt Harris says during a search of 60-year-old Robert Childs’ home they found cameras that were recording houses in the neighborhood where children lived

Cut 10 (08) “to a DVR”

Harris says state police had a warrant to search Childs’ home after an IP address located inside his house was found to be downloading child pornography. He says once inside, agents located strategically placed  cameras

cut 11 (10) “were recording”

Harris says child pornography was also being downloaded at the time of the search. Childs was charged with 300 counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of distribution of child porn. He says Childs faces up to 120 years in prison if convicted on these charges

cut 12 (06)  “number one priority”

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A state judge throws out a lawsuit that sought to remove Common Core from Louisiana’s public schools. Judge Tim Kelley says he dismissed the suit, because it should have been filed within two years after BESE approved Common Core in 2010. State Education Superintendent John White applauds the decision

Cut 13 (09)  “five years ago”

White says he’s glad the courts dismissed an attempt to force teachers back to the drawing board when there’s solid education standards already in place.

Cut 14 (10) “Thursday morning quarterbacking”

Seventeen lawmakers filed the lawsuit, which is backed by Governor Bobby Jindal. Lake Charles Representative Brett Geymann says they plan to appeal. Geymann disagrees with Judge Kelley’s ruling, because the adoption of Common Core was done illegally and without public comment….

Cut 15  (08)  “first place”

Despite Judge Kelley’s ruling, Geymann says they’ll continue efforts to eliminate Common Core through the courts and the upcoming legislative session…

Cut 16  (06)  “have that removed”

The Louisiana Democratic Party endorses Amite Representative John Bel Edwards as its candidate in Louisiana’s governor’s race. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (24) “reporting”

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The National Wildlife Federation releases a report that finds dolphins along Louisiana’s coast dying in large numbers and sea turtles having trouble nesting. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues its investigation into a fatal boat wreck on the Pearl River in St. Tammany Parish. The incident claimed the life of 41-year-old Terry O’ Keefe Junior of Folsum and his 31-year-old girlfriend Jonie Morgan still has not been found. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says their 14 foot aluminum vessel capsized on Saturday near lock number 3…

CUT 3 (07)  “went into water”

Einck says there were three children on the boat, who survived because they wore life jackets. He says a 16-year-old came upon the scene and tried to drag two of the children and the mother to safety

CUT 4 (08)  “she went under”

The youngest person on the boat was a four-year-old girl. Einck says it appears at this time she was stuck under the vessel….

CUT 5 (09)  “to shore”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party endorses Amite Representative John Bel Edwards as its candidate in Louisiana’s governor’s race. It is believed that this move will deter other major Democratic candidates from jumping into the race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat thinks this shows that Edwards is the Democrats last, best hope for governor…

CUT 6 (10)  “where he is”

Pinsonat says this is a sign that New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has told people privately that he will not run for the governor’s seat. Pinsonat says the party’s endorsement, on top of others Edwards has received, puts him in a good position…

CUT 7 (08)  “the runoff”

Pinsonat says this is a good endorsement for Edwards, but it is a mixed bag. He says Louisiana voters haven’t been kind to Democrats in recent statewide elections…

CUT 8 (10)  “Democrats in Louisiana”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an early morning fatal fire in Caddo Parish that claimed the lives of a husband and wife. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says firefighters found the mobile home fully engulfed in flames when they arrived shortly after 2AM…

CUT 9 (11)  “unsuccessfully”

53-year-old Richard Fowler and his wife, 54-year-old Wanda Fowler were pronounced dead at the scene. Browning says the investigation is in its initial stages and information is limited…

cut 10 (10) “quickly escape”

Investigators were informed by relatives that the couple were heavy smokers who suffered from COPD. Browning says they have found no indications of foul play in this fire. He says investigators did find the remains of smoke alarms in the trailer…

cut 11 (11)  “know right now”

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A report from the National Wildlife Federation provides evidence that sea turtles, dolphins, fish and birds are still suffering from the BP oill spill that occurred nearly five years ago. Lead author of the report, Ryan Fikes, says the number of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests have declined on average since 2010….

cut 12 (10)  “poor health”

The National Wildlife Federation report looked at how 20 types of wildlife are faring in the wake of the spill. Fikes says the exposure to oil has been shown to cause abnormal development in many species of fish and dolphins on the Louisiana coast were found dead at four times the historic rates in 2014.

cut 13 (06)  “deep water horizon”

Fikes says comprehensive modeling estimates that 12-percent of the brown pelicans and 32-percent of the laughing gulls in the northern gulf died as a result of the oil spill

cut 14 (09)  “laughing gulls”

A proposal to be sponsored by New Orleans Representative Walt Leger would use Gulf oil spill money for possible long-term financing for Louisiana colleges. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

An 8th grade student from Buckeye High School has started an online petition to change the uniform policy in Rapides Parish. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The state’s workforce commission says Louisiana set an employment record for the month of February. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A proposal to be sponsored by New Orleans Representative Walt Leger would use Gulf oil spill money for possible long-term financing for Louisiana colleges. Leger feels a trust fund should be set up for colleges from recovery money received from the 2010 disaster…

cut 4  (07)  “for higher education”

The state is expected to receive billions of dollars from BP to pay for economic damage caused by the spill. Legislators have already dedicated the first $1 billion of that money. Leger’s proposal would target money above that. He says his proposal would fund higher education moving forward…

Cut 5  (08)  “funding in place”

The state Board of Regents have thrown their support behind Leger’s proposal. Leger says there is no time table on when the BP issue will be resolved, but is confident that the state will be successful…

Cut 6 (06)  “investing in our students”

______________________________________

An 8th grade student from Buckeye High School in Deville has started an online petition to change the uniform policy in Rapides Parish. Currently they are essentially only allowed to wear navy or khaki bottoms and white collared shirts. 14-year-old Brandon Richardson feels the current dress code is far too restrictive…:

CUT 7 (05)  “still exists”

The change.org petition states that students should not be told what to wear everyday because they are not able to express themselves. School leaders assert the current policy exists so that students can be easily identified on field trips. But Richardson feels if everyone looks alike it could cause problems in crisis situations…:

Cut 8  (07)  “at that school” 

Others who support the dress code that’s in place say it puts all students on level playing fields, but Richardson says when it comes to clothing, bullying still exists with uniforms. He says they would like to see the policy changed to one more similar to Rapides’ current “out of uniform” day rules…:

Cut 9 (07)  “about what you wear”

______________________________________

The state department of agriculture and forestry will put traps out to track the invasive asian bug called the Emerald Ash Borer. The beetle was discovered recently in Webster Parish and it kills ash trees. Commissioner Mike Strain says the traps will be placed in high risk areas along the interstate, welcome centers and the Mississippi River delta

Cut 10 (09) “emerald ash borer is”

Strain says the beetle, which is difficult to eradicate, is often transported into an area by infested firewood

cut 11 (07) “you buy it”

Strain says they want to keep this insect from attacking the thousands of Ash trees in the Atchafalaya Basin, the Mississippi River delta and urban areas as well. He says the traps are large, purple sticky boxes that hang from trees…

cut 12 (09)  “eradication”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Louisiana private employers have added 26-thousand jobs over the year based on February employment numbers. The commission’s executive director Curt Eysink says this type of growth with the state’s labor force should continue

Cut 13 (10)  “past ten years”

The unemployment rate for February was six-point-seven percent but it’s the second straight month it has declined. Eysink says the unemployment rate rose in the second half of 2014 as the state saw a large increase in people looking for jobs

Cut 14 (05) “finding work”

Eysink credits the job growth to a growing chemical industry in Louisiana…

Cut 15  (10)  “and New Orleans”

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When the polls come out later today, it’s likely the LSU Tigers will no longer be ranked number one after a wild series to the Wildcats of Kenutcky. LSU could not hold on to a three-run lead in the eighth and ended up losing to Kentucky 12-10 in 11 innings yesterday. Shortstop Alex Bregman says LSU didn’t get a lot of baseball fortune during the three-game series

Cut 16  (19)  “best weekend”

LSU had a 10-9 lead in the ninth inning, but with two outs, Wildcasts pinch hitter Riley Mahan hit an inside the park home run, when left fielder Jared Foster dove for his liner, missed it and then shortstop Alex Bregman slipped and fell while retrieving the baseball. Coach Paul Mainieri

Cut 17 (13)  “kept running”

It’s the first weekend series the Tigers have lost this year as they fall to 5-and-4 in SEC play. Mainieri says they had a chance to win all three games, if not for some strange plays…

Cut 18 (20) ” 30 years’

LSU’s Acacia fraternity has been closed after a school investigation determined the group hazed new members last fall. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Sasol has broken ground on its ethane cracker and derivatives mega project near Westlake. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Baton Rouge police say the suspect in what is being described as a vigilante killing has surrendered to authorities. 31-year-old Yovanni Anibal Ramos-Salazar is accused of the shooting death of his neighbor, 28-year-old Joel Guevara. Cpl. Don Coppola says Ramos-Salazar turned himself in, in the presence of his attorney, Thursday evening…

CUT 3 (06)  “of a weapon”

Ramos-Salazar is charged with second degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. Authorities believe Ramos-Salazar killed Guevara after he found out that Guevara had been accused of raping a relative. Coppola says they are happy that Ramos-Salazar is off the streets…

CUT 4 (07)  “way it did”

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The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for a Rayne man accused of stealing crawfish from a crawfish plant. Spokeswoman Maxine Trahan says a dock worker called authorities after witnessing the theft…

CUT 5 (10)  “he was driving”

She says Cary Bastain fled the scene driving a white Camaro at speeds of over 100 miles-per-hour toward Vermillion and Lafayette parishes. He faces charges of simple burglary, reckless operation, and aggravated flight from an officer. Bastian is still at large and Trahan says they’re asking for the public’s help bringing him in…

CUT 6 (11)  “he’s being charged”

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The 2015 LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction takes place tonight (took place Friday night) and among this year’s inductees are track Olympian Lolo Jones and SEC Associate Commissioner of Communications Herb Vincent. Celtic Studios Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn will also be inducted and he says his life continues to revolve around LSU…:

CUT 7 (11)  “obsessive with LSU”

The Alumni Association says Hall of Distinction inductees are those who have distinguished themselves through their careers, their personal civic accomplishments and their loyalty to their alma mater. Mulhearn, who is originally from Mississippi and graduated from LSU grad school in 2000, says LSU is the reason he fell in love with Louisiana…:

CUT 8 (10)  “done for me”

Vincent has worked as LSU’s Sports Information Director and former Associate Athletic Director. He’s worked under Tiger football coaches including Mike Archer, Curley Hallman, Gerry DiNardo, Nick Saban and Les miles. Vincent doesn’t have anything bad to say about Saban as it was always important to the now Alabama coach to keep LSU traditions alive..:

CUT 9 (12)  “at the time”

Also being inducted this year is Atlantic Company of America President David Suarez and VP of Research of at the University of Texas John Tinsley Oden. Vincent says he didn’t believe it when he got the call…:

cut 10 (06) “a real honor”

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Sasol has broken ground on its ethane cracker and derivatives mega project near Westlake. The South African-based company expects the facility to be in operation in 2018. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Nic Hunter says they are excited that this project is finally underway…

cut 11 (11)  “in the country”

By the time the project is complete, Sasol’s investment will total almost $9 billion. Hunter says the construction of this project will have an sudden impact on the economy in southwest Louisiana…

cut 12 (07)  “their dollars here”

The project will create more than 5,000 construction jobs and over 500 full-time positions. Hunter feels Sasol’s commitment to southwest Louisiana puts the area in a great position for future growth…

cut 13 (11)  “coming up”

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Fifth District Congressman Doctor Ralph Abraham, who is family doctor in Richland Parish, had to use his medical expertise to help a former marine, who nearly passed out during a flight. Abraham says he was sitting near the young man, when he noticed a problem with a fellow passenger

cut 14 (08)  “sort to speak”

Abraham says he was able to quickly administer some first aid to the individual, who was recently discharged as a marine and flying back home to Texas…

cut 15 (08) “drink and eat”

Abraham says this is the fourth time, since he launched his Congressional campaign that he’s had to provide medical attention to a person he met in public….

cut 16 (07) “20 years”

A man from LaPlace has developed an app to keep teenagers from texting and driving. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Turkey season opens tomorrow and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries predicts a bumper crop for hunters. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Demographer Elliot Stonecipher is concerned the state is not growing fast enough to prevent the loss of another Congressional seat. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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A man from LaPlace has developed an app to keep teenagers from texting and driving. Mike Watson says Text Guardian is tied to the GPS device on cellular devices and parents can set to a certain speed…:(Right now Text Guardian is only available on Android devices but should be on iOS soon.)

cut 4  (06)  “deactivated”

Watson says if somebody tries to call or text a teen while Text Guardian is activated, they will get a message back right away saying that the person will get back to you when it is safe to do so. He says it’s completely free and the difference between this and some other anti-driving-and-texting apps is that Text Guardian can not be removed…:

Cut 5  (10)  “or attempted manipulation”

Watson says once the phone reaches the pre-set speed, all that works is 911, a few contacts and the navigation system. He is the owner of Jim’s Body Shop and came up with the idea of creating an app like this after dealing with so many vehicles that had been in serious crashes involving teenagers who were texting and driving…:

Cut 6 (11)  “to do something about it”

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Turkey season opens tomorrow and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries predicts a bumper crop for hunters. Wild Turkey and Resident Small Game Leader, Jimmy Stafford, says there should be some carryover this season after bad weather lead to a poor hunting last year…

CUT 7 (08)  “go up some”

This year’s season is coming a few days later than normal, which Stafford says should move the birds closer to their peak of gobbling. Although more turkeys are expected to be harvested this season, Stafford says Mother Nature is always a factor…

Cut 8  (10)  “significantly improved” 

He says the Louisiana turkey population is scattered, but most gobblers can be found in the western or north-central part of the state. Stafford says if you’re looking to bag a turkey on opening day, he’s got a tip on where to look…

Cut 9 (08)  “harvest go”

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Demographer Elliot Stonecipher says Louisiana could be in jeopardy of losing another Congressional seat if the state doesn’t see more growth in population. Stonecipher is making that statement based on new Census figures, which shows the state’s population has only increased two-point-six percent since 2010

Cut 10 (12) “Census happens”

Louisiana saw it’s Congressional delegation shrink from seven to six members as a result of the 2010 Census. Stonecipher says the data suggests to him that Louisiana still has an out-migration problem

cut 11 (12) “nervous about”

East Baton Rouge Parish remains the most populated parish in the state. The three fastest growing parishes in the state since 2010 are Ascension, Orleans and St. Bernard. Stonecipher says from 2013-14 Orleans Parish grew one-point-four percent…

cut 12 (10)  “positive years”

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Well there was somebody in Louisiana who could have been a Powerball millionaire, but they missed their chance. The Match 5 winning ticket was sold in Minden for the September 27th drawing, but no one came forward to claim the prize by the Thursday deadline. Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the $1 million will go back into winnings…:

Cut 13 (11)  “player promotions”

Chopin says by using unclaimed prizes, they’ve been able to increase prize payout over the last five years from about 59%, to about 62%…:

Cut 14 (06) “like to play more”

Chopin says it’s extremely rare for a million dollar prize to go unclaimed. She says sometimes when the jackpot gets really high, people who don’t normally play Powerball try it out and don’t realize that you don’t have to have all 6 numbers to win a prize…:

Cut 15  (07)  “prize”

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The number one ranked LSU baseball team opens up a three-game series tonight against Kentucky, with first pitch set for seven P-M at the Box. The Wilcats are 2-and-4 in league play, but Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says they are one of the better hitting teams in the conference…

Cut 16  (17)  “good ball players”

LSU is led offensively by Kade Scivicque and Andrew Stevenson, who are both hitting over .400 over the year. Right behind them is Mark Laird, who is hitting .392. Mainieri says he’s not surprised that his speedy right fielder is having a huge season…

Cut 17 (13)  “your hits”

Senior Jared Foster is also having a big season. He’s hitting .348 with five home runs after hitting just .115 last year. Mainieri made Foster the starting second baseman at the start of SEC play and has no plans of moving the former outfielder somewhere else…

Cut 18 (18) ” helped us’