LSU students believe the governor and state lawmakers should do more to protect higher education from deep budget cuts. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Many parents will be happy to hear that the Google online video library YouTube now offers a more age appropriate medium for children. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The iconic Louisiana Cajun food company Savoie’s (sa-vwa) is celebrating 60 years in business. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

A group of LSU students believe the legislature should approve a constitutional amendment that protects higher education from budget cuts. Higher ed and health care are not protected and they will likely take the brunt of next fiscal year’s budget cuts. Mass communications student David Scotton leads an effort to get such an amendment proposed

cut 4  (5)  “that solution”

Scotton has helped gather over one-thousand signatures of LSU students who support the idea for a constitutional amendment to protect higher education…

Cut 5  (05)  “not happy”

Scotton is a junior at LSU and he’s seen how previous budget cuts have harmed the university….

Cut 6 (07)  “not respected”

______________________________________

Many parents will be happy to hear that the Google online video library YouTube is now offering a more age appropriate medium for children. YouTube Kids is a free app and it launches today for Android devices. LSU professor Jenson Moore who specializes in digital media says this is a major evolution in social video…:

CUT 7 (08)  “on track with this one”

Moore says there is a stream on the side of any video you may be viewing and those are typically never safe for young eyes because anything can show up. She says one of the new features of YouTube Kids is the safe search which limits certain words and will weed out inappropriate words or uncensored content…:

Cut 8  (11)  “has designated” 

Moore says comments can also be removed which many times contain profanity or inappropriate content even if the video is considered kid safe. She also says YouTube Kids will only contain a small amount of advertising but there will be no “click throughs” or purchase options…:

Cut 9 (09)  “YouTube channel”

______________________________________

The iconic Louisiana Cajun food company Savoie’s (sa-vwa) is celebrating 60 years in business. The company headquarters remain at the original grocery site on LA 742 just east of Opelousas. Robert vanLeeuwen (Van-Lay-Vun) is a vice president at Savoie and he says sixty years is a real milestone as there are not many “niche” food products companies who reach that age in Louisana

Cut 10 (10) “of ownership”

vanLeeuwen says it all started with Eula Savoie, affectionately known as Ms. Eula, who got into the hog farming business shortly before the price of hogs dropped steeply in 1955. It was then, he said, that Ms. Eula decided to have the hogs slaughtered for sausage…:

cut 11 (10) “each hog”

vanLeeuwen says Savoie’s prides itself on offering Cajun food products that are as traditional as they are delicious…:

cut 12 (10)  “dressing mix”

______________________________________

A winter storm warning is in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor today. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says freezing rain and sleet is expected…

Cut 13 (10)  “I-2o corridor”

There are also several parishes in northeast Louisiana that are under a freezing rain advisory until 10:00 this morning. Mayeaux says how much ice we see across north Louisiana depends on the temperature

Cut 14 (07) “more ice”

Several schools are closed today, including Louisiana Tech and Grambling State. Mayeaux advises against traveling today, if you don’t have to, because we see could some significant icing

Cut 15  (08)  “early on”

____________________________

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the potential for winter precipitation in north Louisiana Sunday night and into Monday. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says cold is expected along with rain…:

CUT 3 (09)  “hazardous”

Valverde says it’s going to be cold and it’s going to be wet and nothing good comes from everything freezing up. He says this precipitation is likely to continue into Monday with many areas struggling to get much above freezing during the day down into central Louisiana…:

CUT 4 (07)  “gonna be”

So what about the white stuff? Valvdere says there is a better chance for snow on Monday night as the cold air builds deeper…:

CUT 5 (10)  “the air gets”

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

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon encourages taxpayers to file for an insurance rebate available to any person who pays for a homeowners, renters or business property insurance policy. Donelon says eligible taxpayers should check the box on their returns for the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Assessment rebate

CUT 6 (12)  “tax return”

Donelon says unfortunately millions of dollars in rebates connected to this assessment are unclaimed every year. He says you can also still claim the assessment, if you failed to do so from 2011 to 2014…

CUT 7 (10)  “refund for”

Donelon says if you have questions, go to the insurance department’s website or call 1-800-259-5300. He says over 300-million dollars from 2006 through 2010 expired and never claimed…

CUT 8 (10)  “to access”

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

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle is the first 2015 gubernatorial candidate to begin advertising on television. LaPolitics.com was the first to deliver the report about the ads and publisher Jeremy Alford says (today) Friday is the first day Angelle’s spots starting airing as part of the $200,000 buy…:

CUT 9 (09)  “damaged”

Alford says there are three commercials in rotation feature Angelle’s “Workhorse Not a Showhorse” line and in one of the ads he speaks in Cajun French…:

cut 10 (09)  “the spicket has been opened”

Alford says now we can expect to see gubernatorial ads non-stop between now and the fall — not only from candidates but also from super PACS. He says the Angelle campaign wanted to keep the buy extremely quiet because they wanted to be the first on the air…:

cut 11 (11)  “was celebrating”

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

The legislature’s joint budget committee approved a 103-million dollar cut to this fiscal year’s budget. But there were several complaints on how the cuts were handed down. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith expressed her frustration that the governor’s office only received a ten-thousand dollar cut in funding

cut 12 (06)  “by example”

Smith says a leader should lead by example during tough budget times and could do so by working without pay

cut 13 (11)  “six months”

Crowley Representative Jack Montoucet, who is also an alligator meat processor, expressed concerns with the cuts to the department of ag, which he says will result in fewer food inspectors…

cut 14 (10)  “my concern”

Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols pushed lawmakers to approve the governor’s plan, because if any proposed cuts are re-stored, it it will lead to deeper cuts next fiscal year….

cut 15 (10) “higher education”

A global consortium, which includes LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research, has made a historic discovery linking obesity to genetics. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

A Kenner woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Saints linebacker Junior Gallette, claiming he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their 2-year relationship. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is making news again this week as he plans to seek his real estate license. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A global consortium, which includes LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has made a historic discovery linking obesity to genetics. The study discovered 97 new genetic factors that contribute to obesity and 49 genetic markers that determine where fat is stored in the body. Pennington Researcher, Dr. Mark Sarzynski, says these results give them a better idea of where to target their next studies…

cut 4  (10)  “our body weight”

The worldwide study involved over half-a-million participants and more than 400 researchers. Sarzynski says the results of the study gives researchers a better idea of what to target to find better obesity treatments…

Cut 5  (09)  “treating obesity”

He says it will probably be at least five years before this is moved forward in a very specific manner. Sarzynski says the next step is seeing how these markers are specifically related to obesity…

Cut 6 (10)  “something like that”

______________________________________

A Kenner woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Saints linebacker Junior Gallette, claiming he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their 2-year relationship. Legal analyst Doug Sunseri says this is not good for Gallette or the Saints. Sunseri says now Gallette will be asked about his personal behavior with this woman under oath…

CUT 7 (09)  “real big problem”

He says the results of the investigation could also determine if Gallette violated the NFL’s new Domestic Abuse Policy. After an incident involving this woman last month, Gallette and a friend, Terrance Banks, were booked on charges of simple battery involving domestic abuse, which is a misdemeanor. Sunseri says this civil lawsuit will allow for a thorough examination of the facts…

Cut 8  (09)  “domestic abuse” 

The lawsuit also claims that other members of the team groped her while she was drugged. Sunseri says this lawsuit is another distraction that the Saints do not need right now. He says the team will have to decide whether or not they want to keep Gallette on the roster…

Cut 9 (08)  “Gallette’s career”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is making news again this week as he plans to seek his real estate license. The Cajun Prince says with an 18-month old child and young wife, he would like to make sure there is a nice nest egg left behind for them and plenty of money for son Eli to go to college…:

Cut 10 (11) “to be that way”

Edwards says everything is in place for him to get his license but he has to take and pass the test which he plans to do within the next few weeks. He says this is something he’s thought about doing since he got out of prison…:

cut 11 (11) “back burner”

Edwards says with a real estate license he’ll be able to work with some of his friends who are engineers and architects on developing property in south Louisiana…:

cut 12 (04)  “for our joint benefit”

______________________________________

The former pastor of President Barack Obama, Reverend  Jeremiah Wright, spoke to students at Southern University on Thursday telling the audience that you shouldn’t seek help from the government but instead from the Lord. Wright says for too many years, blacks have looked to government for help and that’s the wrong place

Cut 13 (12)  “wrong place”

Wright was Barack Obama’s minister until 2008 when controversial comments surfaced from a sermon he gave in 2003. Wright didn’t mention Mr. Obama during his speech, but defended his work as President…

Cut 14 (08) “2008″

Wright’s appearance at Southern was part of a Black History month program paid for by private donations. He spoke about injustices that black people have dealt with since the biblical times until now

Cut 15  (12)  “mass incarceration”

______________________________________

Republican Senator David Vitter is leading all other candidates in cash on hand for this year’s governor’s race. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

The Mandeville Police Department says a man is charged with his 8th DWI after he allegedly drove a car that didn’t belong to him drunk into another vehicle then fled the scene. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Republican Senator David Vitter is leading all other candidates in cash on hand for this year’s governor’s race. Wednesday was the deadline for statewide elected officials to file annual campaign finance reports for 2014. Vitter has reported $3.5 million in the bank for his campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not surprising…

CUT 3 (07)  “lot of money”

Fellow Republican candidates Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne reported $1.55 million, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle has $1.43 million. Pinsonat says both Dardenne and Angelle are off to a good start…

CUT 4 (10)  “up with him”

Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards reported $745,000. Pinsonat says the wildcard is Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy, who has reported $3.45 million in cash on hand. The treasurer is considering running for governor, attorney general, US Senator, as well as re-election. Pinsonat says Kennedy has enough money available to do just about anything he wants…

CUT 5 (09)  “to run for”

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

The case of the man who was convicted of literally scaring a Lafayette woman to death in 1999 after he broke into her home, then had the ruling overturned, will be reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. A jury found 40-year-old Willie James Robertson guilty in 2013 of causing 86-year-old Irene Schoofs heart attack which killed her. Legal analyst Tim Meche…:

CUT 6 (13)  “affirm a conviction”

The death of the woman happened in 1999 but the case wasn’t prosecuted until 13 years later. An appeals court overturned the manslaughter conviction and acquitted Robertson and now the state’s high court has agreed to take a look at the case at the request of the Lafayette Parish DA’s Office. Meche says the evidence in this case is very flimsy…:

CUT 7 (11)  “eyewitness testimony”

Meche says in these types of cases courts look to determine whether or not the evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction, and the court of appeals concluded it was not. He says the trend of late is that the Louisiana Supreme Court reverse courts of appeal in cases like this…:

CUT 8 (10)  “very flimsy”

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

The Mandeville Police Department says a man is charged with his 8th DWI after he allegedly drove a car that didn’t belong to him drunk into another vehicle then fled the scene. Lt. Gerald Sticker says 48-year-old James Hittson took his friend’s 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche from an apartment where they were hanging out without her permission…:

CUT 9 (09)  “damaged”

Sticker says when Hittson returned the crashed vehicle to the owner, a disturbance ensued where the suspect threatened the woman and her boyfriend. He says cops then got a call from a local Winn Dixie regarding a vehicle that had been slammed into while the owner was shopping…:

cut 10 (07)  “two and two together”

Sticker says the suspect’s history includes seven prior DWI’s starting in 1984 from Tangipahoa, Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes. He says they arrested Hittson and booked him into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on many charges along with DWI – 8…:

cut 11 (06)  “suspensions as well”

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

In a recent CBS News Poll, 67-percent of Republican respondents said they did not know enough about Governor Bobby Jindal to consider him for the Republican presidential nomination. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this is bad news for Jindal especially after the publicity he received after his stance on “No-Go Zones”…

cut 12 (10)  “candidate for president”

The poll found that 18-percent of respondents would consider Jindal. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush lead the poll with 49-percent saying they would consider him as the Republican nominee. Pinsonat thinks Jindal’s strategy is not to gain the presidential nomination this time…

cut 13 (10)  “nomination next year”

He feels Jindal is laying the groundwork for a presidential run in 2020 or 2024. But Pinsonat points out that a lot could happen in the next four to eight years and the odds do not favor Jindal.  But he says that won’t stop the governor…

cut 14 (06)  “I could do it” X2

A doctoral candidate in LSU’s College of Engineering believes he’s come up with a unique way to control mosquito-borne diseases. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services announces 184,532 Louisianans have signed up for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace as of Sunday’s deadline. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Budget cuts will result in 14 museums under the control of the Secretary of State to reduce the number of days they are open. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A doctoral candidate in LSU’s College of Engineering believes he’s come up with a unique way to control mosquito-borne diseases. Charles Malveaux’s (MAL-vo) idea is to use drones for mosquito control. Malveaux says the concept is pretty straightforward…

cut 4  (06)  “can be targeted”

Malveaux says drones would fly over an area and target areas of interest. He says East Baton Rouge Parish has expressed interest in the use of drones for mosquito control and hopes to be able to work with them. Malveaux says the ideal system would use two drones: one to survey the area and another to treat the area…

Cut 5  (08)  “for another task”

Malveaux’s plan would treat breeding areas with larvicide, preventing mosquitoes from hatching. He says mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and West Nile, could be prevented with technology like this. Malveaux says drones have been used to apply chemicals in the past and this can be a powerful tool in combating mosquitoes…

Cut 6 (11)  “in the future”

______________________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services announces over 184-thousand Louisianans signed up for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Nationwide, about 11.4 million Americans selected Marketplace plans or automatically re-enrolled by Sunday’s deadline. Marketplace Director and CEO Kevin Counihan says they are very pleased with how things are going..:

CUT 7 (08)  “easier and simpler”

102,000 folks in the Bayou State signed up for Obamacare last year and Counihan says they are happy with the growing interest. He says they know they still have a long way to go especially when it comes to making the customer experience easier and simpler…:

Cut 8  (06)  “we’re working on” 

Counihan says when you see big enrollment numbers like these it means that people are starting to realize that the products and services being offered through HealthCare.gov are quality. He says they know open enrollment next year will be bigger and better than it was this year…:

Cut 9 (09)  “certainly does”

______________________________________

The State Department of Ag and Forestry says the severe insect pest Emerald Ash Borer (or EAB) has been detected in Louisiana. Commissioner Mike Strain says this pest attacks ash trees and has been confirmed in Webster Parish making Louisiana the 25th state to report the presence of this beetle. He says the EAB could be devastating to the trees…:

Cut 10 (07) “the trees die”

Strain says one of their biggest concerns with the EAB is that there is no effective eradication method. He says the EAB was discovered last year in southern Arkansas and they think it got there from someone who brought firewood camping from another state…:

cut 11 (07) “from where you buy it”

Strain says ash trees are primarily located along rivers and swamps but they are also planted in urban areas for aesthetic appeal and it could be costly to have them removed once they start dying. He says it’s best to purchase firewood not more than 10 miles from where it will be burned…:

cut 12 (09)  “all of your firewood”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler announces reduced days of operation for  14 museums. Starting in mid-April, the old state capitol in Baton rouge and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport will only operate three days a week. Schedler says it’s in response to the mid-year budget cuts and his budget for next fiscal year is also tight

Cut 13 (10)  “currently expand”

Schedler says 12 smaller museums under his control will only be open one-day a week. He says the reduced hours could be in place for the foreseeable future

Cut 14 (10) “as it looks”

In addition to reduced hours of operation at state museums, 24 Secretary of State employees will be laid off. Schedler says if there’s group or individual that wants to provide financial resources, his door is open…

Cut 15  (11)  “those discussions”

______________________________________

The U-L Lafayette men’s basketball team hosts Texas State tonight at the Cajundome. The Cajuns are 8-and-7 in the Sun Belt and in fifth place in the league standings. Head Coach Bob Marlin says a victory is important tonight with the conference tournament right around the corner

Cut 16  (17)  “at home”

The Ragin Cajuns have lost seven of their last eleven games and Marlin knows his team can play better

Cut 17 (16)  “two areas”

Texas State enters tonight’s game with a 5-and-10 record in Sun Belt play, 11-and-13 overall. But Marlin expects a good battle with the Bobcats…

Cut 18 (13) “prepared for’

____________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech, who is in first place Conference USA, visits Charlotte tonight. The 49ers are 11-and-14 overall on the season, but Bulldogs coach Mike White calls Charlotte one of the more talented teams in the league

Cut 19 (10)   “on edge”

Louisiana Tech is coming off its 20th win of the season. Tech beat Florida International 75-42, forcing the Golden Panthers to commit 28 turnovers and shoot just 28-percent from the field. White says his team has improved on defense during the course of the season

Cut 20 (17)  “a process”

Crawfish processors say new federal guidelines regarding legal foreign worker wages, could cause a big hike in the price of crawfish. Eric Gill reports..

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

A survey of Louisiana public school teachers finds that 78-percent of them believe the annual standardized tests are excessive. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Crawfish processors say new federal guidelines regarding guest worker wages, could cause a big hike in the price of crawfish. Louisiana’s crawfish industry depends heavily on guest workers, legal foreign workers, to perform jobs they cannot fill locally. Lafayette restaurant owner and crawfish processor, Frank Randol, says the federal government says those workers now must be paid $12.35 an hour…

CUT 3 (08)  “wholesale level”

Randol says the Department of Labor’s $5 an hour wage hike will result in a $3 per pound increase in the price of crawfish tail meat. There is concern that the price of crawfish could climb higher than what consumers are willing to pay. Since the 90s, guest workers were paid wages based on local surveys done by employers in the market. However, Randol says the Labor Department changed the rules in December…

CUT 4 (07)  “of the country”

Lafayette Representative Charles Boustany and other Gulf Coast Representatives are petitioning the Labor Department to reverse their decision. Randol says the process of obtaining guest workers is a long and tedious process closely regulated by the federal government. He says when they started the process in the fall, they were told everything was fine…

CUT 5 (10)  “changed the game”

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

A survey of Louisiana teachers finds 78-percent of them believe state-required standardized tests takes too much time away from classroom instruction. Louisiana Association of Educators president Debbie Meaux says teachers believe there’s an overemphasis on standardized testing in state’s school accountability system

CUT 6 (10)  “burden”

Meaux believes students should only be required to take standardized tests once in elementary school, then again in middle school and one more time on the high school level. She says annual testing does not give teachers enough time to teach the concepts for mastery

CUT 7 (10)  “to learn”

Meaux says current amount of standardized tests is also driving younger teachers away

CUT 8 (06)  “for children”

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

The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office says a brother and sister are dead after being shot at the Sugar Shack in New Roads early this morning. Captain Steven Juge says the incident remains under investigation, but witnesses have said there was some type of altercation between the suspects and victims…:

CUT 9 (08)  “parking lot”

Juge says they are currently working to determine if the victims were inside the club when the altercation began…:

cut 10 (09)  “from people”

Juge says the victims are identified as 38-year-old Seneca Williams and 41-year-old Lichelle Williams. The suspect who remains at large is 31-year-old Jamie Croom.  Juge says they were called out in reference to the double homicide at the lounge around 12:30 am..:

cut 11 (06)  “a club”

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

The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Bernice woman is under arrest after leaving her eight-month old son on a relative’s doorstep. Sheriff Dusty Gates says they received a call from the child’s father reporting that the baby was left outside a relative’s residence in Bernice…

cut 12 (12)  “30 degrees”

The infant’s mother, 23-year-old Keondra Ferguson, is charged with criminal child abandonment. The child was reportedly outside the residence for more than 90 minutes, with temperatures in the mid-30s, before being discovered. Gates says the baby was wrapped in warm clothing and in a car seat when found…

cut 13 (08)  “have pneumonia”

Gates says the child was taken to the hospital where they discovered he has pneumonia. He says the infant had apparently been sick before being abandoned. The baby is now in the custody of his father. Gates says when authorities interviewed Ferguson, she admitted to leaving the infant…

cut 14 (05)  “the child”

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

As people across the state head to their local places of worship to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, a Shreveport church is offering ashes to go. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Abita Brewing Company announces their craft-brewed root beer is now available in cans. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge company has developed what they call a smart fabric to help diagnose head injuries to football players during games. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

As people across the state head to their local places of worship to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, a Shreveport church is offering ashes to go. Christ United Methodist Church will offer “Drive By Ashes” to accommodate those who’s schedules won’t allow them to make their full church service. Associate Pastor Kelly Berne says this is an event has done well…

cut 4  (10)  “will drive-thru”

The church began offering this service in 2011 and Berne expects over 100 people drive through today. She says there will be tables set up in the church parking lot and all you’ll need to do is drive up…

Cut 5  (11)  “to the church”

She says this is an opportunity for people to connect with God and the church without having to leave their car. The “Drive By Ashes” will be offered from 11AM to 1PM and then from 2PM to 4PM. Berne says this is just another way to minister amid today’s hectic lifestyles…

Cut 6 (06)  “their busy schedule”

______________________________________

Today is the start of the Lenton season and many people will be totally giving up meat for the next 40 days or at least eating seafood only on Fridays. Gulf Seafood Institute chairman Harlon Pearce says the warmer things get, the better the supply will be of our Louisiana favorites…:

CUT 7 (09)  “out there”

Pearce says fish is in excellent supply right now and this is the time of year that oysters are at their best…:

Cut 8  (08)  “of items” 

Pearce says the crab will be in good supply as the temperatures rise and, in all, once we have a good warm front roll through we should see quality seafood at the market for a good price…:

Cut 9 (10)  “Lenten season”

______________________________________

Abita Brewing Company announces their craft-brewed root beer is now available in cans. Abita President David Blossman says ever since they launched Abita beer in cans, people have been asking for their root beer to be in cans too including his own family…:

Cut 10 (08) “of events”

Blossman says it’s the same great old-fashioned root beer they’ve been making for years, but now you can get it in portable, recyclable 12-pack aluminum cans. He says their root beer is unique in that it’s made with pure Louisiana cane sugar…:

cut 11 (10) “and our root beer”

Blossman says their popular root beer will also continue to be sold in six-pack glass bottles. He says people love the drink which is made with herbs, vanilla and pure Louisiana cane sugar that is hot brewed rather than cold mixed…:(Blossman says now you can bring it along to the next picnic, soccer game, tailgate or put it in your lunch box.)

cut 12 (10)  “calorie count”

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge company has developed what they call a smart fabric to help diagnose head injuries to football players during games. Marucci (Mai-Roo-Chi) BodiTrack’s President Curtis Cruz says they place this pressure-mapping fabric inside helmets and it registers each hit taken in real-time…:

Cut 13 (10)  “as well”

Cruz says knowing exactly where a player took a hit and how hard the impact was is important later on down the road when you’re actually providing care and treatment. He says to truly help prevent concussions there needs to be a better way to detect injuries and provide care…:

Cut 14 (12) “what to do”

Cruz says this technology will makes its debut during LSU spring football and then there will be pilot programs with several youth football organizations in the fall. He says when an impact or collection of impacts registers hard enough into the fabric, a team official will automatically benotified via a mobile device…:

Cut 15  (07)  “this level”

______________________________________

The fourth ranked LSU baseball team looks to improve to 4-0 tonight when they host Nicholls State at 6:30. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri is impressed that the Colonels took two of three from Stony Brook last weekend. Mainieri says they could have used a couple of wins against Stony Brook in the 2012 Super Regionals

Cut 16  (12)  “good players”

Freshman right-hander Doug Norman will start on the mound for the Tigers, while the Colonels will counter with a senior. Chalmette’s Ryan Deemes will start tonight after making a dozen starts last season. Mainieri says tonight’s game should be a good challenge for his team

Cut 17 (19)  “or form”

Mainieri used three different line-ups during the weekend sweep of Kansas and the head coach plans on shuffling players in and out of the line-up to find out who he can count on…

Cut 18 (10) “right guys’

____________________________________________________

Everywhere else it’s just Tuesday, and these Mardi Gras revelers aren’t letting the cold get them down. Michelle Southern…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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

Folks in Louisiana are enjoying Mardi Gras Festivities, despite the bone chilling temps. These revelers in New Orleans we spoke with say they aren’t going to let a little cold stop them from enjoying Fat Tuesday celebrations and parades…:

CUT 3 (08)  “don’t hurt”

It’s not raining but many folks we spoke with say this is the coldest Mardi Gras they can remember. Still these revelers in New Orleans say they came prepared…:

CUT 4 (08)  “day progresses”

The popular Courir de Mardi Gras got off to an early start this morning in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says revelers aren’t letting the cold get them down one bit…:

CUT 5 (07)  “it’s still on”

Fontenot says the riders and runners were out in their costumes and ready to roll through the countryside just as they do every year — rain, shine or cold…:

CUT 6 (10)  “enjoying themselves”

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

State Police say a train-truck crash in Desoto Parish has killed three men. Trooper Matt Harris says a group of oil field vehicles were traveling on a private road yesterday afternoon when a truck, driven by 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville, approached some railroad tracks…

CUT 7 (10)  “was too late”

Watson stopped at the tracks, then proceeded forward and was struck by the train. Watson and one passenger, 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton died later at an area hospital. Harris says this is just a terrible tragedy all the way around…

CUT 8 (11)  “on that end”

Harris says this particular crossing has passive warning signals, a stop sign and a railroad crossing sign. He says this particular signal type is common for private and low traffic roads. Harris says it’s important for motorists to heed these warnings because the train always has the right-of-way…

CUT 9 (09)  “proceeding forward”

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

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office is asking for help in the case of a 2008 murder of a Lafourche Parish resident. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says 46-year-old Larkie Toups was killed on January 1, 2008 and after a year long investigation the case went cold. He says they opened it back up in 2013 and arrested an eyewitness to the crime…:

cut 10 (10)  “located”

Haley says Toups was taken to the Budget Inn by a deputy before he was killed and was highly intoxicated after drinking at a friends house. He says they have strong evidence that substance abusers loitering the the hotel could be responsible for the brutal murder but the investigation is hindered because they have no body…:

cut 11 (10)  “for his murder”

Haley says the woman that they did arrest in connection with the crime who refuses to name the killers and location of the body is serving 10 years for obstruction of justice. He says they hope someone with information on this murder will come forward and claim a $1000 reward…:

cut 12 (10)  “LaFourche Parish”

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

A recent report by the Schott (shot) Foundation for Public Education shows the black male high school graduation rates in Louisiana trails whites’ by 16 points. For the 2012-13 school year, only 53-percent of black male students graduated compared to 69-percent of white males. Foundation President John Jackson says these numbers are reason for concern…

cut 13 (12)  “to succeed”

The disparity between black and white males in Louisiana is smaller than the national gap of 21-percent. The report also shows eighth grade proficiency rates are another reason for alarm. Jackson says 29-percent of white males in the state were proficient in eighth grade reading and math compared to just nine-percent of black males…

cut 14 (07)  “to learn”

Jackson says the results of this study indicate a climate that doesn’t foster health living and learning environments for black males. He says it is possible to turn these numbers around, if the state makes the commitment to do it…

cut 15 (11) “in New Jersey”

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

The question over which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is up for debate again this Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

One of the state’s more unique Mardi Gras traditions happens in the Calcasieu Parish town of Iowa. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

IBM technology announces plans for a 400-job application development and innovation center in Monroe. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The question over which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is coming up again this Fat Tuesday. Mobile Mayor Sandy Simpson is bragging that the Alabama destination is where the pre-Lenten celebrations originally began in the United States. The Big Easy Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says the first New Orleans Mardi Gras parade was held in 1857…:

cut 4  (10)  “New Years Eve”

Hardy says Mobile’s parades on Fat Tuesday did not begin until 1868 — after the Civil War. He says their Mardi-Gras-like parades, which featured floats followed by a tableaux ball were staged on New Years Eve…:

Cut 5  (11)  “I’m not sure”

Hardy says the style of parade — floats and costumes and masks — did in fact start in Mobile, but they didn’t roll on Mardi Gras day until 11 years after New Orleans did. He says Mobile enjoys the second largest and longest running parade season in America, but New Orleans has the biggest celebration in the world…:

Cut 6 (08)  “that’s indisputable”

______________________________________

One of the state’s more unique Mardi Gras traditions happens in the Calcasieu Parish town of Iowa. The Iowa Chicken Run is an all day celebration that begins and ends at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Organizer, Rodney Victorian, says his grandfather started this event 36 years ago…

CUT 7 (11)  “for the community”

The parade will begin at 10AM and will stop at participating homes to collect ingredients for a gumbo that will be served later in the day. Victorian says kids can try to catch something other than beads and toys in Iowa…

Cut 8  (06)  “stuff like that” 

When a donation to the gumbo is made, a chicken is thrown in the air for the children to catch. Victorian says the Iowa Chicken Run attracts visitors from all over to partake in the festivities… (The chickens are not harmed and not used to make the gumbo.)

Cut 9 (10)  “all over”

______________________________________

Now that a strong cold front has moved through, Canadian air has settled over Louisiana leaving us with another chilly Mardi Gras day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says southeast Louisiana should brace for temperatures today in the upper 30s this morning, then high temperatues this afternoon only in the upper 40s…:

Cut 10 (09) “bundle up”

Keim says if you’re headed to parades today anywhere in the state, it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella just in case but you probably won’t need it. He says it’s going to be a very cold Fat Tuesday pretty much throughout The Bayou State…:

cut 11 (09) “miserable day”

Keim says for revelers who plan to be outside all day, make sure you bring a lot heavy coats, gloves and blankets…:

cut 12 (08)  “kinda windy”

______________________________________

IBM technology announces plans for a 400-job application development and innovation center in Monroe. Officials say IBM will provide software technology services to clients across the nation and partner with CenturyLink on research and product innovation initiatives. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says this is huge for Northeast Louisiana…:

Cut 13 (10)  “here in Monroe”

Governor Bobby Jindal says $4.5 million dollars will be provided to ULM, Louisiana Tech and Grambling for additional computer science programs to help meet IBM’s workforce needs and keep Louisiana graduates in the state. Mayo says big companies are attracted to CenturyLink which has corporate headquarters in Monroe…:

Cut 14 (09) “to come here”

Mayo says this announcement is in addition to the 800+ jobs coming to the CenturyLink technology center which will open in March….:

Cut 15  (08)  “to be huge”

______________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Texas A-and-M looking to pick up another win on the road tonight. About a month ago, the Tigers hosted the Aggies and blew a double-digit lead and lost by three points to A-and-M. Sophomore guard Tim Quarterman they learned a tough lesson that day

Cut 16  (12)  “care of the ball”

LSU has played well on the road. They are 4-2 in league games away from the PMAC and 6-2 in true road games overall. Quarterman says they have the mindset they can win on any team’s floor

Cut 17 (14)  “get the win”

The Tigers have won two of their last three. Last week they lost top ranked Kentucky by two points and beat Tennessee by 18 on the Volunteers home floor. LSU’s Jarell Martin says the team’s confidence is high

Cut 18 (14) “end of the year’

It’s a dreary and wet Lundi Gras for much of Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more on our Mardi Gras forecast..

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

State Police has increased its numbers in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and they’re making their presence known. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

An accused rapist is back behind bars after slipping out of his shackles and running from Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies early Saturday Morning. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says 39-year-old Kaundra Magee was recaptured just before noon on Sunday when a deputy heard some movement in a large drain that goes under Highway 10 in Franklinton…

CUT 3 (07)  “any incident”

Haley says Magee escaped while being transported back to the jail after treatment for pain in his shoulder. He says Magee was able to free himself from his leg shackles and escape the police car. Haley says Magee is now facing additional charges of simple escape…

CUT 4 (06)  “against him”

Magee required medical attention after his capture to treat swollen wrists due to wearing handcuffs for nearly 36 hours. Haley says they are taking steps to thwart any further escape attempts by Magee…

CUT 5 (09)  “be housed”

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

A strong cold front moves through the state bringing rain and colder temperatures to the Bayou State. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says it will result in a cold Fat Tuesday

CUT 6 (09)  “40s”

Jones says there is a chance for a few ice pellets or freezing rain between midnight and 8 A-M tomorrow morning in central Louisiana

CUT 7 (08)  “Monroe area”

Jones says if you plan on attending parades tomorrow, bundle up, because high temperatures will struggle to get out of the 40s

CUT 8 (09)  “be outdoors”

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

State Police has increased its numbers in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and they’re making their presence known. Over 150 additional troopers are patrolling the French Quarter and the metro area. Spokesperson Melissa Matey says, so far, troopers have made over 140 arrests…

CUT 9 (08)  “of the streets”

Matey says over fifty of their arrests are for felonies. Of the over 300 criminal charges filed in these arrests, nearly 100 were for narcotics and Matey says state police have taken over $376,000 worth of the illegal drugs off of the streets. She also says troopers have seized 14 illegally possessed weapons…

cut 10 (10)  “those guns out”

Matey says State Police is committed to protect revelers this Mardi Gras season…

cut 11 (10)  “Carnival 2015″

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

The energy industry applauds a federal judge’s decision to dismiss a controversial lawsuit against oil and gas companies alleging they should pay billions of dollars for damage to Louisiana’s coast. Legal Analyst Chick Foret says US District Nanette Jolivette Brown gave a detailed 49-page explanation for her decision

cut 12 (09)  “of appeal”

The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East filed the lawsuit in 2013 claiming oil and gas companies made Louisiana more vulnerable to hurricanes, because of drilling, pipelines  and other exploration efforts.  Foret says the plantiffs highlighted six different claims on why the oil industry should be found liable

cut 13 (08)  “viable claim”

Foret says while environmentalists supported the efforts of the levee authority in their attempt to get oil and gas companies to pay for damages to Louisiana’s coast, the lawsuit did not get much support from state government…

cut 14 (09)  “not worth it”

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