State Treasurer John Kennedy says the Jindal Administration is considering selling the Louisiana Lottery as a way to help plug the state’s massive budget hole. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols says they have never entertained this option. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab’s 2015 Louisiana Survey shows more Louisianians feel the state is heading in the right direction. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy says the Jindal Administration is considering selling the Louisiana Lottery as a way to help plug the state’s massive budget hole. The Administration is denying this. But Kennedy says he knows for a fact that it’s being actively studied…:

CUT 3 (10)  “considered”

Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols has issued a statement regarding the Louisiana State Lottery: “We are not considering selling the lottery. Periodically, firms pitch revenue-generating ideas to the state and a lottery bond sale has been pitched several times over the past few years. However, we have never entertained this option and are not considering it this year. “

Kennedy says getting rid of the state’s Lottery would be a bad idea because it would only be non-recurring revenue we wouldn’t have next year which would add to the problem. He says he hopes this comes to light before the legislative session is over…:

CUT 4 (09)  “to talk about it”

The comments were made on the Jim Engster Show. Kennedy says he has reports from CitiGroup and Goldman Sachs which essentially say that selling the Louisiana Lottery would provide significant general fund relief. He says these documents are irrefutable evidence that these discussions are ongoing…:

CUT 5 (11)  “sale of your lottery”

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The Jindal administration’s budget for next fiscal year does not fund a presidential preference primary for Louisiana in 2016. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he was assured that elections would be covered by the state through the spring of next year. He says when his office looked at the budget, he found that there was no money for the primary…

CUT 6 (05)  “leave office”

Schedler says budget cuts to his office will force him to close a voter outreach program, limit most state museums to one day weeks, and not hold elections in the first half of 2016. He says, by law, he has to conduct elections unless instructed otherwise…

CUT 7 (07)  “the election”

A presidential primary election would cost the state approximately $3.5 million. In a statement, the Jindal administrations says Schedler should find other ways to balance his budget and fund the primary. Schedler says he’s told legislators that unless they command differently, the state will move forward with the primary…

CUT 8 (08)  “to give me”

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LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab’s 2015 Louisiana Survey shows more Louisianians feel the state is heading in the right direction. The survey indicates that 44-percent of residents feel Louisiana is moving forward, up from 38-percent two years ago. Director Michael Henderson says this year’s survey has bucked the trend…

CUT 9 (06)  “up ticks”

The survey shows that education and the economy continue to be most important problem facing the state. Henderson says 26-percent of Louisianians say the state business climate is better than it was a year ago…

cut 10 (10) “things are going”

Public confidence in state government to effectively deal with the most pressing issues has increased for the first time in five years. But legislators are facing a huge budget crisis heading into the legislative session and Henderson thinks there could be another shift as the session unfolds…

cut 11 (10)  “back down again”

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State Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret tells lawmakers it’s time to reign in the state’s film tax credit program. Moret says the state’s film program has created an estimated ten-thousand jobs and brought positive attention to the state, but it only produces 20-cents in revenue for every dollar of tax credit….

cut 12 (09)  “state priorities”

Moret also suggests tighter controls on who is getting the tax credits as there have been recent reports of fraud in the program. But he says the most important thing is limiting the program’s benefits so the state has a greater control of how much they are spending on it

cut 13 (09)  “the industry”

Legislation is expected to be filed soon that addresses the money spent on film tax credits. Covington Representative John Schroder told Moret in the House Appropriations Committee that he favors a cap on spending for the film tax program…

cut 14 (09)  “about now”

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A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center links drinking diet sodas to increasing waistlines in senior citizens. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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New Orleans Senator JP Morrell files a bill that would allow public students in Orleans Parish to be ask about what type of sexual behaviors they are involved in. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal calls eliminating Common Core a top priority in the upcoming legislative session, but education leaders plan to fight his efforts. Scott Carwile…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center links drinking diet sodas to increasing waistlines in senior citizens. The study followed seniors for nine years and found that waistlines increased by more than 3 inches in those who consumed diet sodas every day. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center registered dietitian, Cathy Champagne, says this study was not a controlled study…

cut 4  (06)  “diet beverages”

This study wasn’t designed to prove whether diet soda had a direct cause to weight gain, but did find an association. Champagne says obesity and increasing waistlines are two very complicated subjects…

Cut 5  (08)  “someone else”

The study suggests that artificial sweeteners could increase weight gain by altering the way the body processes sugar, making people hungrier. While the study doesn’t prove a direct connection with diet sodas and a bigger waist, Champagne says moderation will always be your best bet…

Cut 6 (08)  “not so good”

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The IRS says there are about 22,000 people in Louisiana who did not file a tax return in 2011 which amounts to potential refunds of up to $21.4 million dollars. Spokeswoman Lea (Lee) Crusberg says tax payers only have until April 15th of this year to file their 2011 return to get their refund or else the money will go into the US Treasury…:

CUT 7 (10) “for taxpayers”

Crusberg says the average potential refund in Louisiana is $693. She says in cases where a tax return was not filed, the law provides most citizens with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund…:

Cut 8  (11)  “used against that” 

Crusberg says by failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2011 — she says many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit which was much higher three years ago. Crusberg says time is running out for you to get this done…:

Cut 9 (10)  “2011 return”

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New Orleans Senator JP Morrell files a bill that would allow public students in Orleans Parish to be surveyed about what type of behaviors they are involved in — including sexual behavior. He says results of such a review would help with coming up with a sex ed class that would actually be effective…:

Cut 10 (11) “these days”

Morrell says Louisiana has a law on the books that prohibits students from being asked about their personal beliefs in sex, morality or religion…:

cut 11 (11) “more effective”

Baton Rouge Representative Pat Smith introduced similar legislation last year but it failed after a massive push-back from the Louisiana Family Forum. Morrell says opponents believe that by addressing sexual education you are making kids promiscuous…:

cut 12 (12)  “pregnancy mothers”

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Governor Jindal’s plan to rid Common Core from Louisiana a disgrace. Jindal announced his intentions to remove the controversial education standards with three pieces of legislation that will be heard in the upcoming legislative session. But BESE President Chas Roemer says it makes no sense to turn back now

Cut 13 (08)  “pointed to”

Jindal announced that he wants to replace Common Core with an education standard and assessment test developed by Louisiana teachers and parents. But Roemer says Louisiana had input on Common Core and the early results are encouraging

Cut 14 (05) “deserve comment”

Jindal’s announcement sets the stage for a big battle in the upcoming legislative session.  State Superintendent of Education John White says turning back from Common Core will create problems for Louisiana teachers

Cut 15  (07)  “outliers”

But Jindal says parents are frustrated with the way their children are being taught, because of Common Core…

Cut 16  (09)  “our classrooms”

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Ninth-seeded LSU faces 8th seeded North Carolina State tonight in the NCAA Tournament. The oddsmakers have the Wolfpack as a two-point favorite. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it’s hard game to decide who will win….

Cut 17 (13)  “of the ball”

Worsham says for LSU to win, they’ll need great performances from their two big men, Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey

Cut 18 (17) “for LSU’

Worsham says LSU needs to be concerned about North Carolina State’s guards….

Cut 19 (15)   “the perimeter”

A former caretaker of LSU’s mascot Mike wrote a letter to a Baton Rouge newspaper expressing concern over the fact that the live Tiger doesn’t go to games anymore. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A new statewide poll by MarblePoint Polling shows support for higher cigarette taxes, but residents do not approve of Common Core or Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A Natchitoches man is under arrest for simple battery and hate crimes after an incident at a local business. 35-year-old Roderick Rachal was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. Police Captain Chris Payne says responding officers spoke to a female victim that said a man she did not know grabbed her buttocks…

CUT 3 (08)  “upon the victim”

Payne says Rachal is charged with simple battery in this case. He says as officers looked into this case, they discovered this wasn’t the first time Rachal had done this…

CUT 4 (10)  “of 2006″

He says Rachal had been arrested multiple times in the past for similar incidents. Payne says officers discovered that in each case, Rachal targeted a specific race and gender… (Because Rachal targeted a specific race and gender, he was additionally charged with hate crimes.)

CUT 5 (08)  “hate crimes”

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A former caretaker of LSU’s mascot Mike wrote a letter to a Baton Rouge newspaper expressing concern over the live Tiger’s increasing lack of appearing in the stadium at home football games. Mike the VI did not go to a single contest last season. Paul Marks Jr. says he was responsible for Mike III from 1963-1965 and they never had a problem getting him to games.
He says the difference is that they altered his feeding patterns…:

CUT 6 (10)  “there ya go”

The comments were made on The Jim Engster Show. Marks Jr. says he truly hopes that a new satisfactory method can be developed to bring Mike back to Tiger Stadium so that fans can enjoy his splendor. He says they would not feed Mike III on Friday’s to get him ready for Saturday night…:

CUT 7 (12)  “when he got to the stadium”

Last November Mike VI made a post on Facebook letting fans know that his trainers practice with him all summer to get into the cage, but he refuses to do so on gameday and is not food motivated even if he is fasted on Friday night. Marks Jr. says back in his day their Mike wasn’t in a 5 million dollar enclosure the way Mike VI is…:

CUT 8 (05)  “happy there”

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A new statewide poll shows support for higher cigarette taxes, but residents do not approve of Common Core or Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance. The survey found that 56-percent of residents support an increase in the state’s cigarette tax. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford thinks the tax will pass this legislative session…

CUT 9 (09)  “get the money”

The automated phone survey of over 1000 residents was conducted by MarblePoint Polling. The poll shows that 54-percent of respondents disapprove of the Common Core education standards. Alford says this will be a passionate issue in the upcoming legislative session…

cut 10 (10) “for lawmakers”

As far as Governor Jindal’s approval numbers go, only 28-percent of respondents gave him a positive rating. Alford says there’s no doubt that Jindal is not nearly as popular as he was seven years ago, but he’s not convinced that the governor’s numbers have dropped to that extent…

cut 11 (10)  “more believable”

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Governor Bobby Jindal announces a plan to remove Common Core from Louisiana’s public schools and replace it with educational standards and a standardized test developed by Louisiana teachers and parents. Jindal says the plan will be presented to lawmakers in the legislative session that begins next month…

cut 12 (13)  “our classrooms”

Jindal’s announcement comes as 316-thousand students are taking the Common Core tests. The governor says his 10-year-old son, is like many children, who are frustrated with the “Fuzzy Math” questions on the test

cut 13 (13)  “the school”

There are three different bills that make up Jindal’s plan to replace Common Core. He made the announcement as a several lawmakers stood by his side, including Alexandria Representative Lance Harris…

cut 14 (09)  “federal government”

Residents will soon have to pay more for flood insurance. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Latest employment numbers show that there were 7500 less people working in January than in December, ending a long streak of monthly employment gains. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is looking at selling tobacco settlement money that would result in an estimated 750-million dollars in cash.  Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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State Police say a truck driver from Alabama died when he was run over by a trooper who was looking for him in Madison Parish. Sgt. James Anderson says they received a report early Tuesday morning that an 18-wheeler was stuck in the lane of travel on US Highway 65 about 6 miles north of Tallulah…:

cut 4  (11)  “were looking for him”

Anderson says 47-year-old David Watford of Cottonwood, Alabama was walking in the middle of the road wearing blue jeans and a camouflage shirt when the trooper in a Tahoe approached…:

Cut 5  (08)  “lane of travel”

Anderson says Watford was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison Parish Coroner’s office. The driver of the Tahoe was wearing a seal belt and was not injured. He says an investigation into the crash is underway:

Cut 6 (07)  “examined thoroughly”

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Residents will soon have to pay more for flood insurance. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the increases are the result of changes to the National Flood Insurance Program that were passed by Congress last year.  He says the premium hikes for primary residences are capped at 18-percent each year…

CUT 7 (08) “a higher premium”

Donelon says the increases will go into effect April 1, when policies come up for renewal. If you have a camp, you can expect an even higher premium boost…

Cut 8  (06)  “maximum increase” 

He says premium increases for second residences, commercial, and rental properties are capped at 25-percent per year. In addition to the rate increases, property owners will have to pay a surcharge, $25 per year for your primary residence and $250 for businesses, rentals, or secondary residences. Donelon says these changes are complicated, so you may want to get some advice…

Cut 9 (10)  “Insurance Program”

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Latest employment numbers show that there were 7500 less people working in January than in December, ending a long streak of monthly employment gains. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says it’s not unusual to see a decline in jobs at the start of the year…:

Cut 10 (10) “usually are shed”

Eysink says even though there was the typical job drop that you see in January, we’re still employing far more people this year than we were this time last year…:

cut 11 (09) “January of 14″

At 7 percent the unemployment rate for January ranked as the third highest among states, but Eysink believes that’s because more people are joining the workforce in Louisiana at a faster rate than they can find work. He says the drop in oil prices has caused about 1,000 layoffs over the past few months…:

cut 12 (12)  “short term thing”

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Governor Bobby Jindal is looking at selling the remainder of a multi-billion dollar settlement from tobacco manufacturers to help the state’s budget problems. The Jindal administration says it could be used finance the TOP’s scholarship program for the next seven to eight years, but State Treasurer John Kennedy doesn’t like this idea

Cut 13 (10)  “through a goose”

The money under discussion is from a 1998 settlement involving tobacco companies who paid billions of dollars to numerous states for health care costs associated with smoking. Kennedy says the Jindal administration has raided all other pots of money and this is the last one left

Cut 14 (06) “financial pressure”

Despite Kennedy’s concerns, the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, voted to begin the process of selling the tobacco settlement. House Speaker Chuck Kleckley says the sale will need legislative approval, which means several public hearings on the issue

Cut 15  (07)  “to continue”

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Former US Open Champion Justin Rose, who is ranked as the 10th best golfer in the world, has committed to play in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which will take place April 23rd to the 26th at TPC Louisiana in Westwego. Fore Kids Foundation president Steve Worthy says they are working to bring more big names to the P-G-A event

Cut 16  (09)  “attracted here”

Rose’s commitment to play in the Zurich Classic, comes about a week after Billy Horschel’s announcement that he would play in New Orleans next month. Horschel won the Zurich Classic in 2013 and he’s ranked 17th in the world. Worthy credits the golf course in helping them get some of the best players in the world…

Cut 17 (11)  “with them”

Jury selection begins today in Lafayette in the first-degree murder trial of Seth Fontenot, accused of a 2013 shooting that killed a 15-year old and injured two others. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Shreveport Representative Barbra Norton has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would make it illegal to supply a child 12 or under with an Uzi sub-machine gun. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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State Superintendent of Education John White says after the first day of PARCC testing, concerns that there would be widespread non-participation did not bear out. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Jury selection begins today in Lafayette in the first-degree murder trial of Seth Fontenot, accused of a 2013 shooting that killed 15-year old Austin Rivault and injured two others. Fontenot claims he fired to scare the teens, who he thought were breaking into his truck, not to hurt them. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this will be a tough case for Fontenot…

cut 4  (10)  “the consequences”

He says Fontenot appears to be going after a manslaughter verdict. Meche feels that Fontenot will testify that, because his truck had been broken into several times prior, it caused him to act in a heat of passion…

Cut 5  (09)  “his actions”

With a manslaughter conviction, Fontenot could face up to 40 years in prison. Meche believes this this case will result in either a manslaughter or a second-degree murder conviction, which comes with a mandatory life sentence…

Cut 6 (06)  “explained to me”

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Shreveport Representative Barbra Norton has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would make it illegal to supply a child 12 or under with an Uzi sub-machine gun. She says kids are not big enough to handle such a large weapon in a safe manner…:

CUT 7 (11) “concern about that”

Norton says she realizes that some parents want to teach their children how to shoot guns for hunting or for general safety reasons, but she sees no reason for kids to ever have a machine gun…:

Cut 8  (10)  “could go anywhere” 

Norton says people are accidentally shot all the time and she feels that the risk for a tragedy is greatly increased when a Uzi is in the hands of a child. She says kids 12 and under don’t have the size to be able to handle shooting a machine gun…:

Cut 9 (12)  “hold it steady”

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State Superintendent of Education John White says after the first day of PARCC testing, concerns that there would be widespread non-participation did not bear out. He says preliminary findings show more than 320,000 students took the test associated Common Core which is about 99% participation:

Cut 10 (13) “in the test”

White says of the about 1% who did not participate in the test on day one, Calcasieu Parish — which makes up about 4% of the student population in the state, is roughly 50% of the non-participants…:

cut 11 (12) “number”

White says they are committed to not unfairly criticizing districts and communities in the small number of cases where students didn’t take the test. He says there are three other school systems where he would call the percentage of non-participants moderate to significant and those are Jackson, Red River and Central. White says he has invited the Superintendents in these parishes to meet with him face to face…:

cut 12 (11)  “outliers”

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Motorists who commute between Alexandria and Pineville and take the O.K. Allen Bridge will be redirected to begin utilizing the the Curtis-Coleman Memorial Bridge starting this morning at 10am. Deidra Druilhet with the state Department of Transportation says during the shift they will also be closing exit 71B (I-49 North to Shreveport) to all southbound traffic..:

Cut 13 (10)  “project”

Druilhet says only the northbound span of the new bridge has been built and it will be used for the two-way traffic while the O.K. Allen Bridge is torn down…:

Cut 14 (12) “2016″

Druilhet says traffic delays should be expected while the shift is implemented and motorists are urged to drive with caution. She says over 20,000 motorists cross the Red River over the O.K. Allen Bridge on a daily basis…:

Cut 15  (10)  “both directions”

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The LSU men’s basketball team leaves today for Pittsburgh, where they’ll play North Carolina State on Thursday in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers bring a 22-and-10 record to the Big Dance and some of those losses were against bad teams. LSU guard Keith Hornsby says now that they are in the field of 68, they should not look past anyone…

Cut 16  (17)  “this point”

LSU needs to win six straight games to win a national championship. Guard Tim Quarterman says after an up and and down regular season, the team is ready to play its basketball…

Cut 17 (11)  “upcoming games”

The only player on LSU’s squad to experience an NCAA Tournament game is Keith Hornsby. The shooting guard was a freshman on UNC-Asheville’s team that made the NCAA Tournament in 2012. LSU sophomore Jordan Mickey is not worried about the lack of March Madness experience on his team…

Cut 18 (13) “ready to play’

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Louisiana Tech hosts Central Michigan tonight in the N-I-T. It’s the second straight year the Bulldogs will get to host a postseason game. But this year Tech is coming off a disappointing loss in the Conference USA tournament and Coach Michael White is interested to see how his team will react

Cut 19 (09)   “situation deserves”

Central Michigan was the regular season Mid-American Conference West Division champions this season and they boast a record of 23-and-8. White says the Chippewas are hard to defend…

Cut 20 (12)  “all year”

A Washington Post article refers to Governor Bobby Jindal as one of the great mysteries of the early 2016 presidential campaign. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana National Guard has released the identities of the four soldiers killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise over the Florida Panhandle last week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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A Washington Post article refers to Governor Bobby Jindal as one of the great mysteries of the early 2016 presidential campaign. They said that not long ago, Jindal was considered a fresh new face in the Republican Party, but his star has since fallen. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley agrees…

CUT 3 (12)  “in that conversation”

The Post says, for the first time in Jindal’s political career, he appears to be lost. They say the governor looks like he’s trying to be every politician at once. Stockley says it does appear that Jindal is struggling to find his identity on the presidential campaign trail…

CUT 4 (06)  “from everybody else”

According to The Post, Jindal is polling at around two-percent in national Republican polls. Stockley doesn’t think this is a “gotcha” piece or an unfair article toward the governor…

CUT 5 (10)  “the last year”

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State police say a man and a woman from Texas died on their motorcycle in a Rapides Parish crash over the weekend. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says 59-year-old Ronnie Fillingim and 59-year-old Sharon Fillingim, both of Livingston, Texas, were traveling on their bike south on LA Hwy 21. He says that’s when a Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by 62-year-old Larry Callahan of Calcasieu entered that lane…:(FILL in GEM)

CUT 6 (11)  “to stop”

Moreau says both Filligim’s were transported to local hospitals where they were pronounced dead…:

CUT 7 (05)  “too severe”

Moreau says the motorcycle attempted to stop but was unable to avoid hitting the Chrysler. He says Callahan was cited with improper turning but the investigation is still ongoing…:

CUT 8 (07)  “proceed from there”

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The Louisiana National Guard has released the identities of the four soldiers killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise over the Florida Panhandle last week. Louisiana National Guard Major General Glenn Curtis says 37-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 4 George Wayne Griffin, Jr., a Delhi native from Hammond, leaves behind a wife and four children. He says Griffin joined the National Guard in 1994…

CUT 9 (10)  “in 2008″

He says 44-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 4 George David Strother of Alexandria is survived by his wife, son, step-daughter, and mother. Curtis says Strother served in the military for 26 years…

cut 10 (11) “in 2013″

He says 40-year-old Staff Sergeant Lance Bergeron leaves behind his wife and two children. Curtis says the Thibodaux native joined the Marines in 1998 before enlisting in the National Guard in 2001…

cut 11 (08)  “in 2008″

26-year-old Staff Sergeant Thomas Florich is survived by his wife, who is expecting the couple’s first child. Curtis says the native of Virginia, who resided in Baton Rouge, enlisted in the National Guard in 2007… (Florich was posthumously promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant.)

cut 12 (06)  “8 years ago”

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Prominent New Orleans restaurateur Dick Brennan Sr, a driving force behind the highly popular Commander’s Palace, died over the weekend at the age of 84. Big Easy restaurant write and critic Tom Fitzmorris says the chefs who worked at the award winning eatery in New Orleans under Brennan couldn’t be more popular…:

cut 13 (12)  “had ever met”

A spokesman for the family says Brennan died of natural causes. Brennan led and managed some of New Orleans’ best-known dining destinations and along with his siblings were instrumental in the transformation of Commander’s Palace into the definitive modern Creole restaurant of its generation. Fitzmorris says Brennan and his siblings dealt with a family split in 1970 and were tasked with taking over Commander’s…:

cut 14 (10)  “beat it”

With his family, Brennan opened a string of restaurants including Mr. B’s Bistro and with his children, Dickie Brennan Jr and Lauren Brennan Bower, Palace Cafe and Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse. At Commander’s, Brennan is credited with starting the tradition of the Sunday jazz brunch…:

cut 15 (06) “see this now”‘

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it is reported that nearly 23 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not getting tested as recommended. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

Students in third through eighth grades will begin taking the controversial tests tied to Common Core today. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The state Department of Health and Hospitals announces a new initiative aimed at reducing c-section rates among Louisiana mothers. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it is reported that nearly 23 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not getting tested as recommended. Last year alone, more than 50,000 people died of colorectal cancer in the United States. Tulane Gastroenterologist, Dr. Jordan Karlitz, says this is a major public health problem in the state…

cut 4  (09)  “United States”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. But Karlitz says it is preventable with screening. He says a colonoscopy is recommended because it can identify pre-cancerous polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer…

Cut 5  (07)  “their screening”

Karlitz says many insurance plans, including Medicare, help with the expense of colorectal cancer screenings. He says, by getting screened appropriately, you can really have a profound effect on this illness…

Cut 6 (09)  “least in half”

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Students in third through eighth grades will begin taking the controversial tests tied to Common Core today. This is the first time PARCC will be administered in Louisiana. State Department of Education Superintendent John White says this is about getting a basic description of what kids should be able to do at the end of each grade level…:

CUT 7 (10) “we’re doing that”

The DOE says if a child chooses not to take the PARCC test, the score for that student in the accountability system is counted as a zero — but the child is not the one getting the zero. There are many people who oppose Common Core arguing that it’s too complex but White says it’s time that we stop teaching math with memorization…:

Cut 8  (10)  “it really is” 

The DOE says promotion from one grade to the next is a district decision during this transition to higher expectations. White says Common Core is a standard, it’s not curriculum. He says how it’s taught and what’s used to teach it is up to districts. White says at the state level, it’s their job to assure kids a basic fundamental right to a quality education…:

Cut 9 (07)  “to parents”

______________________________________

The state Department of Health and Hospitals announces a new initiative aimed at reducing c-section rates among Louisiana mothers. DHH Secretary Kathy Kleibert says “Go the Full 40″ is a voluntary pledge by hospitals to end non-medically indicated induced pregnancies…:

Cut 10 (09) “healthy life”

Kleibert says about 50% of babies in Louisiana are born before 40 weeks gestation. She says they know going full term reduces medical problems for both the mother and child…:

cut 11 (09) “complications”

Kleibert says she is very proud of the March of Dimes and health care partners for taking another step in making the well being of newborns a priority. She says not only are early elective deliveries more dangerous, they are also more expensive. Kleibert says they will be going around talking to hospitals and doctors about the importance of going the full 40…:

cut 12 (04)  “this initiative”

______________________________________

For the first time since 2009, the LSU Tigers are in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Bayou Bengals are a nine-seed and they’ll face North Carolina State on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Coach Johnny Jones says the goal all season long was to get an invite to the Big Dance

Cut 13 (15)  “front of us”

There was a concern LSU would not get into the tournament after they lost to Auburn in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. But based on LSU getting a nine-seed, they really didn’t need to sweat it out. Jones says the tournament selection committee recognizes LSU had a good regular season…

Cut 14 (09) “from this team”

The LSU Tigers get into the NCAA Tournament in year three of Jones at the helm. He says it’s a sign the program is heading in right direction

Cut 15  (08)  “right road”

A special enrollment period begins Sunday on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace giving some a second chance of obtaining health insurance. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A New Orleans lawmaker will be sponsoring legislation in the upcoming session which provides funds to pay for sexual assault victim care with expired winning casino tickets. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A special enrollment period begins Sunday on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace giving some, who didn’t realized they would be penalized on their taxes for not being covered, a second chance of obtaining health insurance. Terry Tucker, with the Health Insurance Store of Louisiana, says the government decided to offer a special enrollment period as this is the first tax season since Obamacare was enacted…

CUT 3 (10)  “enrollment period”

This special enrollment period will go through April 30. Tucker says this special period is not for everyone. He says you must meet certain qualifications…

CUT 4 (07)  “get a penalty”

Tucker says another issue that has cropped up since the open enrollment period ended in February is missing documents. He says all paperwork must be submitted within 60 days of signing up. Tucker suggests you double check your enrollment packet…

CUT 5 (06)  “to be sure”

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The state Department of Agriculture and Forestry is taking precautionary measures against a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain, also known as bird flu, after cases have been confirmed in Arkansas. Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says outbreaks of avian influenza have been confirmed in several states…

CUT 6 (06)  “H-5-N-1″

Avian influenza has also been found in Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, and Washington. Strain says this flu strain is H-5-N-2, not the type that humans normally get, which is H-5-N-1. He says a poultry quarantine will keep any live poultry products from entering the state from an area that’s been affected by this flu strain…

CUT 7 (09)  “of entry”

Although this flu strain is not normally contracted by humans, Strain says the public should be cautious about transferring the disease…

CUT 8 (08)  “or wildlife”

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A New Orleans lawmaker will be sponsoring legislation in the upcoming session which provides funds to pay for sexual assault victim care with expired winning casino tickets. Rep. Helena Moreno said they had to come up with a way to create recurring revenue that would continue to pump dollars into the Crime Victims Reparation Fund…:

CUT 9 (12)  “back into the state”

Under the proposed law, hospitals would not bill victims -and- those who come forward aren’t limited to 72 hours to report an incident in order for the services to be provided at no charge. Moreno says they needed to find money to put into the Crime Victims Reparation Fund. She says in Louisiana, casinos and tracks are allowed to keep expired winnings as earnings…:

cut 10 (10) “fund”

Moreno says the dollars amount to about $1.5 million coming from casinos and about $800,000 from race tracks every year. She also says one of the best parts of this is that from the money going into the Crime Victims Reparation Fund from the state, there is also a federal match on top of that…:

cut 11 (10)  “this particular fund”

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The four candidates for governor met Friday in a forum to discuss Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. To close, each candidate had a chance to say why they should be Louisiana’s next governor. Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says the state has been going in the wrong direction under the Jindal Administration which he’s been saying for years

cut 12 (12)  “joining me”

The Louisiana gubernatorial election will take place on October 24. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’s been asked what was the number one reason he thought he was qualified to be governor. He said it’s because he has had a teenager in his home for the last 15 years…:

cut 13 (10)  “move the ball forward”

Many political pundits have made remarks about the difficult budget scenario Louisiana’s next governor will be inheriting. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says he’s been asked why on earth he’d seek an office that is essentially in shambles…:

cut 14 (12)  “have right now”

The Republican candidates told the group they support the oil and gas industry and understand its importance to the state. But Edwards was more guarded in his comments. Republican US Senator David Vitter said he is fully ready to take on the challenges facing the state…:

cut 15 (11) “I’m in this race”

A new Centers for Disease Control study shows that two out of every three people diagnosed with cancer in the US survive five years or more. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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According to a report by the Cowen Institute at Tulane University, Louisiana has the highest estimated percentage of unemployed youth in the country. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A state lawmaker proposes to increase the state’s cigarette tax to the national average. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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A new Centers for Disease Control study shows that two out of every three people diagnosed with cancer in the US survive five years or more. The cancer survivor estimates are based on cases of invasive cancers reported during 2011. Associate Dean for Research at LSU’s School of Public Health, Ed Trapido, says these numbers show a remarkable amount of progress…

cut 4  (06)  “better treatment”

Among the most common types of cancer, the study reports a five-year-survival rate of 97-percent for prostate cancer and 88-percent for breast cancer. Trapido says the improvement in prostate cancer survival is because of an increase awareness and earlier detection…

Cut 5  (12)  “entire lives”

He says better treatment and improved therapies have improved survival statistics for breast cancer patients. Trapido says while these numbers are encouraging, there is still much work to be done to fight cancer…

Cut 6 (08)  “been made”

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Leaders from communities around the state are urging citizens to participate in a massive litter cleanup effort. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will be announcing the results of the amount of litter picked up from morning cleanups and the number of “Leaders Against Litter” who have pledged to beautify the state. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell…:

CUT 7 (05) “litter free Louisiana”

The Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety, DEQ, Wildlife and Fisheries and Volunteer Louisiana’s leaders will all be present for the Leaders Against Litter press conference to say enough is enough…:

Cut 8  (09)  “it really is” 

Russell says in addition to the Friday cleanup, they also want to get the message out to the public that leaders are all standing together against litter in this state. She says citizens from all walks of life can join the Great American Cleanup from March through May…:

Cut 9 (11)  “in their community”

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According to a report by the Cowen Institute at Tulane University, Louisiana has the highest estimated percentage of unemployed youth in the country. The study also found that New Orleans is third in the nation for the percentage of young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who aren’t working or in school. Cowen Institute Director Vincent Rossmeier…:

Cut 10 (11) “opportunities”

The study also found that southern states, when compared with the west coast, east coast and midwest, have a higher overall percentage of opportunity youth. He says one of the reasons they use the term “opportunity youth” is because they should be viewed as assets to the community…:

cut 11 (09) “to get there”

Rossmeier says this is an opportunity to improve our communities and make them more vibrant by finding ways to reconnect these young people. He says there is a huge economic boost coming to Louisiana and we need to come up with ways to connect our young people to those jobs…:

cut 12 (08)  “take them”

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Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie files a bill that would increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes to the national average. The governor has proposed an increase in the state’s cigarette tax to the southern regional average, but Ritchie believes the tax on cigarettes should be higher

Cut 13 (10)  “ever starting”

Ritchie’s bill would raise the tax from 36-cents to a $1.54 per pack. It will be considered during the legislative session that begins April 13th. He expects his tax proposal will be one of many that will be discussed by lawmakers

Cut 14 (10) “time around”

The Jindal administration says they will support an increase in tobacco taxes, but only if it’s accompanied with a tax break. One suggestion is a tax credit to pay for higher fees at public colleges. Ritchie says the goal of his legislation is to raise revenue for the state and stop people from smoking…

Cut 15  (10)  “never start”

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The LSU Tigers begin SEC play tonight against Ole Miss as the number one ranked team in the country according to Baseball America. Coach Paul Mainieri says his team earned that number one ranking, by playing solid baseball

Cut 16  (16)  “excites me”

Jared Poche will be tonight’s starting pitcher. The sophomore left-hander from Lutcher is 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA. Mainieri says he’s not surprised by Poche’s success this season…

Cut 17 (12)  “get it done”

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The Saints have traded veteran offensive guard Ben Grubbs to Kansas City for a fifth round draft pick. Saints radio color analyst Hokie Gajan likes the trade and believes Tim Lelito, who started a couple of games at center last season, will be able to move to guard and replace Grubbs

Cut 18 (11) “to the Saints’

The Saints have also signed veteran cornerback Brandon Browner, who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots last season. Gajan likes the idea of having another big physical cornerback to compliment fellow starting corner Keenan Lewis…

Cut 19 (13)   “the quarterback”

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Eglin Air Force Base officials say the wreckage of the Army helicopter that crashed Tuesday night over the Florida Panhandle, killing all eleven on board, has been found. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (27) “reporting”
The Coast Guard announced this afternoon nine of the 11 victims have been found, including two from Louisiana.

A Lafayette Parish school bus driver that slid off the road near Broussard today is being investigated for driving under the influence. Fifty year-old John Harvey Bernard was earlier cited for Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Blood Alcohol results are pending. Twelve students were on-board, but none injured.
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Lt Governor hopeful Kip Holden is finding himself involved in a scandal as a 2011 lawsuit has surfaced claiming the Baton Rouge mayor repeatedly sexually harassed a woman who was in Louisiana on business. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the allegation hurts Holden’s chances at becoming Lt. Governor.
cut 12 (06) “this allegation”
Holden denies the accusations, saying both he and his wife know the truth on this one.

More police presence in New Orleans, as State Police have redeployed additional troopers to patrol the Crescent City. This comes courtesy of $2.5 million dollars raised by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, based on the needs of NOPD and requests from business leaders…
CUT 7 (11) Q: ‘not gonna happen’
That’s State Police Colonel Mike Edmunson.