After more Louisianians have been hospitalized and even died as a result of synthetic marijuana, Governor Bobby Jindal has announced the ban of multiple new synthetic marijuana compounds. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

A study from Tulane suggests residents in Boston and Seattle better take steps to protect themselves from the flu. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A study looking at inappropriate teacher-student relationships finds  Louisiana has the third highest number of cases in the country on a per-capita basis. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

After more Louisianians have been hospitalized and even died as a result of synthetic marijuana, Governor Bobby Jindal has announced the ban of multiple new synthetic marijuana compounds. The new banned compounds are called “PX 1″, PX 2″, and “MDMB-CHMICA” (chimika). Dr. Mark Ryan, Director of the Louisiana Poison Control Center, says the state is staying pro-active in fight against synthetic marijuana…

cut 4  (11)  “those substances”

Ryan feels Louisiana is one of the most pro-active states in the nation in quickly regulating these substances once they are identified. He says there have been several deaths in the state in the last few months related to synthetic marijuana, sold under names like “Blue Diamond” and “Mojo”…

Cut 5  (06)  “in particular”

Ryan says at least one death can be attributed to these new banned substances. He says not only are people who use synthetic marijuana are being harmed, but the people around them are harmed as well. He says, if you are concerned that a product contains an illegal substance, just look for the words “Not For Human Consumption” on the back of the package…

Cut 6 (06)  “drug in it”

______________________________________

A Tulane University study discovers that cities who have teams in the Super Bowl see a spike in flu deaths. Researcher Charles Stoecker, says based on county-level statistics, there was an 18-percent increase in flu deaths among those over the age of 65 in cities whose teams were in the Super Bowl that year. He says big games bring more people together

CUT 7 (10)  “over 65 set”

Stoecker says based on his research people in Boston and Seattle need to practice good hygiene and his study also reveals the effect is worse in years when the flu strain is more virulent like this year’s strain

Cut 8  (03)  “Super Bowl” 

Stoecker says another interesting aspect of his study found the host Super Bowl city does not see an increase in flu cases or deaths…

Cut 9 (10)  “Super Bowl contenders”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Lottery says we’ve now hit the biggest Powerball jackpot of 2015 with tomorrow’s drawing worth a whopping $298 million dollars. Spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the current jackpot has been running since the end of November. She says the last big jackpot winner in Louisiana was from a May 2013 drawing so we’re due…:

Cut 10 (07)  “Powerball game” 

Chopin says the current jackpot has a cash value of about $198.4 million dollars. She says since the match 5 prize has increased to a million dollars we’ve had plenty of those winners in Louisiana…:

cut 11 (09) “one million dollars”

Chopin says when the jackpot gets high like this they find a lot of people play who don’t normally buy tickets — or even for the first time…:

cut 12 (09)  “one to win”

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A new study ranks Louisiana third nationally on a per-capita basis for inappropriate teacher-student relationships. Terry Abbott, a former chief of staff at the US Department of Ed and now chair of Drive West Communications, says he found 23 reported cases in 2014 and in many situations, social media advanced a teacher-student relationship to an inappropriate level…

Cut 13 (11)  “with kids”

Abbott says there’s also a higher percentage of inappropriate relationships involving female teachers than the national average….

Cut 14 (08)  “other states”

Abbott says there’s already been six reported cases in 2015, which is disturbing. He says school district leaders need to get serious about this problem and so do lawmakers, who can pass legislation to create stronger penalties for offenders…

Cut 15  (07)  “jail time”

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Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday and former LSU wide receiver Brandon Lafell goes after his first Super Bowl ring. Lafell and the rest of the Patriot receivers will go up against the best defensive secondary in the NFL. Plus the Seahawks like to talk, but Lafell says they can’t trash talking contest

Cut 16  (22)  “this offense”

Lafell is fired up for his first Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (17)  “to come”

Other Louisiana connections to the Super Bowl. Former Louisiana Tech standout Ryan Allen is the Patriots Punter. Northwestern State product Jeremy Lane is a defensive back for the Seahawks. Former LSU Tiger cornerback Tharold Simon is also on Seattle. Lafell says staying loose on game day will be one of his biggest challenges…

Cut 18 (20) “stay in the game’

______________________________________

The legal drama between the Benson family over ownership of the Saints and Pelicans could drag on for a year or more in courtrooms in New Orleans and San Antonio. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Former KKK leader David Duke’s challenge to run against Steve Scalise for the 1st Congressional District seat likely won’t happen according to pundits. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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

The legal drama between the Benson family over ownership of the Saints and Pelicans could drag on for a year or more. The scene will play out in courtrooms in New Orleans and San Antonio. Legal analyst Tim Meche says an Orleans Civil District Court Judge could rule whether or not Tom Benson is physically and mentally fit to handle his business affairs by spring…

CUT 3 (12)  “likely result”

Meche says the real litigation will take place in San Antonio involving whether or not Tom Benson can transfer the teams out of the family trust. He says, thus far, Benson has been unsuccessful in his attempts to do so…

CUT 4 (11)  “the Pelicans”

He says that case will involve a lot of legal maneuvering and possibly courts of appeal. There is always a chance that the two sides could negotiate a settlement which would bring this to a quicker solution. Meche feels, at this point in the game, both sides are engaging in a public relations war…

CUT 5 (11)  “to get worse”

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

So how likely would it be that former KKK leader and Louisiana lawmaker David Duke would be elected again here? Not very likely according to political analyst Bernie Pinsonat. Duke challenged Congressman Steve Scalise to step down for apologizing about speaking to a white supremacist group in 2002. Pinsonat says Duke is only milking this for attention…:

CUT 6 (10)  “long as possible”

Duke took it a step further and said that he would consider challenging the House Majority Whip in the next election for the 1st District Seat. Pinsonat says Duke is just trying to get publicity and he will probably never get re-elected in Louisiana if he chooses to run…:

CUT 7 (08)  “apologizing”

Duke made the comments on Louisiana Radio Network’s Jim Engster Show. Pinsonat says if anything, this would allow Scalise to set the record straight that he doesn’t agree with Duke…:

CUT 8 (08) “and what he stands for”

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

There are a lot of Mardi Gras Krewes in Louisiana getting nervous as most of their custom throws have not arrived yet and Fat Tuesday is just around the corner. There was an ongoing labor dispute at a Los Angeles port which held up thousands of signature Mardi Gras product, but Beads By the Dozen President Dan Kelly says tensions have calmed…:

CUT 9 (12)  “two to three days”

Kelly says his containers were stuck in the middle of a bad contract argument between dock workers and the shipping companies in LA but all parties have cooperated. He says they’ve rescheduled all distribution days with the Krewes for next week…:

cut 10 (07)  “back up and runnin again”

Kelly says almost every Carnival Krewe was affected by the delay. He says now all of the Mardi Gras containers are being taken off ships and hopefully will be put on trains over the next two days…:

cut 11 (06) “safe Mardi Gras”

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

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that yesterday’s fire in Calhoun, where two bodies were recovered, was a murder suicide. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the situation began with a domestic dispute between 52-year-old Larry Lisotta and his wife, 57-year-old Diane Lisotta…

cut 12 (09)  “suicide himself”

Browning says hey have determined that Larry Lisotta shot his wife in the head and then turned the gun on himself. He says this appears to be an isolated incident and do not believe anyone else was involved…

cut 13 (05)  “tragic deaths”

Browning says they believe Larry started the fire after he shot Diane. He says the investigation is still ongoing in this unfortunate incident…

cut 14 (06)  “two individuals”

Sasol’s announcement of a delay in their final decision to invest in a proposed gas-to-liquids plant in southwest Louisiana has raised some concern in the business community. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former KKK leader and State Representative David Duke says Congressman Steve Scalise is a sellout and he may consider running against him. The comments were made in a rare interview on the Louisiana Radio Network’s Jim Engster Show. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Police announce additional troopers will be deployed to New Orleans for this year’s Mardi Gras season. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Sasol’s announcement of a delay in their final decision to invest in a proposed gas-to-liquids plant in southwest Louisiana has raised some concern in the business community. But George Swift, President of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, says construction has already begun on Sasol’s $8 billion ethane cracker and that quells his concern…

cut 4  (07)  “a later date”

The South African energy company cites falling oil prices as the reason for their announced delay. Swift says the decline in the price of oil has given his organization a reason to be concerned, but projects like this are focused on long-range goals…

Cut 5  (10)  “will go ahead”

Swift says his confidence that the project will go ahead is boosted by the infrastructure work that Sasol is doing around the site of the proposed plant. He says even though Sasol’s decision to delay is disappointing, it could have a silver lining…

Cut 6 (09)  “workforce needs”

______________________________________

The Onion, a satirical news website, recently wrote an article skewering Governor Bobby Jindal that’s getting national attention. The fictitious article claimed that Jindal’s presidential campaign would last about two months before he pulled out of the race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says a couple of things may have put Jindal in the cross hairs of The Onion…

CUT 7 (11)  “State University”

The tongue-in-cheek article claimed that Jindal isn’t sure he would want to put his family through the ordeal of a two-month presidential campaign. Stockley says The Onion is really taking two shots at Jindal. He says the first jab focuses on Jindal’s potential presidential campaign…

Cut 8  (12)  “if at all” 

Stockley says The Onion writing an article about Jindal is not flattering and not the kind of national attention that the governor would prefer at this time. He says the underlying joke in the article is one that Louisianians will surely understand…

Cut 9 (07)  “six years now”

______________________________________

State Police announce that 150 additional troopers will be deployed to New Orleans for this year’s Mardi Gras season. Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson says the troopers will be working in the city through Fat Tuesday. Edmonson says that number is up from past years…

Cut 10 (10)  “we need to” 

He says the detail will include a visible uniform security presence in the French Quarter and Central Business District as well as plain clothes officers. Edmonson says, looking forward, there will be an increased number of troopers in the city for events like French Quarter Fest, Jazzfest, and numerous conventions…

cut 11 (10) “through May”

Edmonson says an increased number of troopers will be working in the Big Easy through the end of May. He says it’s extremely important to have a contingency of law enforcement in areas where you will have a large amount of people…

cut 12 (10)  “in the world”

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Former KKK leader and State Representative David Duke says Congressman Steve Scalise is a sellout and he may consider running against him. In a rare interview on Louisiana Radio Network’s Jim Engster show, Duke says the Congressman should step down for apologizing about speaking to a white supremacists group in 2002…:

Cut 13 (10)  “sold out”

Scalise recently came under fire when the story broke that he was a guest speaker at an event hosted by Duke. The Congressman said it never should have happened and Duke says that is an insult to every member of Scalise’s 1st district which is why he’s seriously considering running against him…:

Cut 14 (08)  “they supported my views”

Duke, who currently lives in Mandeville, says he’s not registered to vote but he would just to run for office against Scalise. He says by apologizing, Scalise is suggesting that everyone who voted for him is racist…:

Cut 15  (07)  “he’s betrayed his people”

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky will battle for first place in Conference USA when the two basketball teams meet tonight in Ruston. Tech is 6-and-1 in Conference USA, while the Hilltoppers are 7-and-0. Bulldogs Coach Michael White says Western Kentucky is good in all areas and they have two players who are tough to stop

Cut 16  (20)  “George Fant”

Tech has won 22 in a row at home and White says tonight is about protecting their home floor against a really good offensive team….

Cut 17 (10)  “the opportunity”

Senior guard Speedy Smith says the players are looking forward tonight’s match-up…

Cut 18 (15) “big opportunity’

______________________________________

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise agrees to meet with two civil rights leaders in the aftermath of reports Scalise spoke to a group of white supremacists in 2002. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

Sasol announces they are delaying a final investment decision on building a gas to liquids plant in the Lake Charles area. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise agrees to meet with two civil rights leaders in the aftermath of reports that the House Majority Whip spoke to a group of white supremacists in 2002. The pair want to ask Scalise to help advance civil and human rights issues, like the renewal of the Voting Rights Act. Political analyst Clancy Dubos thinks this is a good move for the Congressman…

CUT 3 (12)  “meeting with EURO”

Dubos says this is a step Scalise can take to put some action behind the words he said in regards to the controversy. The Congressman has acknowledged it was a mistake to speak to the group and has apologized. Dubos feels Scalise has been sincere in his remarks since the news came out…

CUT 4 (11)  “in all forms”

The House Majority Whip will meet with former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, and Wade Henderson, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, next month. Dubos says Scalise should use this meeting as a real chance to communicate…

CUT 5 (07)  “a good thing”

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

Sasol says it’s delaying a final decision on whether or not it will invest in a proposed gas-to-liquids plant in southwest Louisiana. The South African energy company says they’re holding off on the 14 billion dollar phase of the project due to tumbling oil prices. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director David Dismukes says not a surprise, considering the massive scope of the project with…:

CUT 6 (10)  “little bit more questionable”

Sasol has already approved an $8.1 billion ethane cracker in Westlake but right now the company says they are working to conserve as much money as possible in the wake of falling oil prices. There are several other announced industry sites out there in Louisiana and Dismukes says the farther one is away from completion, the more likely a similar delay will take place:

CUT 7 (08)  “locked in”

If Sasol green-lights this GTL plant, it would be the most expensive industrial project in Louisiana history, totaling $22 billion when combined with the cracker. Dismukes says this decision is reflective of what’s happening with the entire energy industry

CUT 8 (08) “oil prices”

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

Slidell Police say a homeowner woke up this morning to find something quite unusual in his home. Detective Daniel Seuzeneau says the homeowner immediately called police and responding officers found 31-year-old Sharrod McCullum sound asleep on the victim’s sofa…

CUT 9 (08)  “he was at”

The officers woke McCullum up and were able to arrest him without incident. Seuzeneau says the suspect appeared to be intoxicated. He says authorities discovered that McCullum forced entry through the rear door of the residence…

cut 10 (08)  “the neighborhood”

McCullum faces one count of simple burglary and one count of criminal damage. Seuzeneau says other charges could be filed in the near future. He admits it’s funny, but scary at the same time to wake up and find a stranger sleeping in your house…

cut 11 (09)  “further incident”

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

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an early morning fire in Ouachita Parish that has claimed the lives of two people. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the fire occurred around 5AM this morning at a mobile home in Calhoun…

cut 12 (11)  “this mobile home”

The identities of the man and woman who perished in the fire have not been released. The mobile home shared property with a house that is believed to belong to the father of one of the victims. Browning says the fire that destroyed the mobile home was very intense…

cut 13 (07)  “at this point”

Browning says officials are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire. He stresses it’s a very active investigation and information is very limited at this time…

cut 14 (07)  “in Louisiana”

The Boudin King Cake idea has gone completely viral as people demand to have one right away. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Studies show more and more women are buying guns and becoming more familiar with how to use them. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s December labor numbers are in and once again the state broke employment records. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

What is the first thing you think of when you hear “Boudin King Cake?” Well it’s out there. The brains behind the now crazy viral concept is Acadiana food critic Bob Carriker who is a UL-Lafayette history professor. He says he reviews King Cakes and Boudin from all over the nation and decided to combine the two and share the idea on his Facebook Page…:

cut 4  (12)  “in minutes”

Carriker says the now-famous King Cake uses a bread that is savory, not sweet, stuffed with boudin, topped with Steen’s cane syrup then sprinkled with cracklin. He says his idea immediately went viral so he ran down to a local baker, Billy Guilbeaux who co-owns Twins Burgers and Sweets with his twin Denny…:

Cut 5  (09)  “just dramatic”

Guilbeaux says they began cooking and selling the Boudin King Cake which each comes with its own bottle of Steen’s, and within 2 hours they had used 120 containers of the cane syrup and had to run to Abbeville to get 700 more. Carriker says he’s gotten messages from Alaska, New York, Washington and California all with people who want one…:

Cut 6 (09)  “as soon as possible”

______________________________________

Studies show more and more women are buying guns and becoming more familiar with how to use them. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 74 percent of gun shops saw growth in female customers in 2013. Barret Kendrick, a firearms trainer in Covington, says they have seen a major increase in the number of women coming into the gun market.

CUT 7 (10)  “well as their children”

Kendrick says women want to be able to protect themselves and their children and not feel like they have to rely on a man to protect them. He says three years ago he’d see just one or two females in a concealed carry training course…:

Cut 8  (08)  “during that course” 

Kendrick says he’s found many of his female students go from being scared of weapons to really enjoying a training course and having fun. He believes the trend of women becoming involved with guns will keeping getting bigger…:

Cut 9 (05)  “sports industry”

______________________________________

Labor numbers for December show it was another record breaking month for Louisiana employment. Louisiana Workforce Commission director Curt Eysink, says total nonfarm employment grew to 1,992,000, as private employers added 34-thousand jobs over the year. He says professional businesses services is one of their strongest sectors for job growth

Cut 10 (10)  “other people” 

Louisiana’s unemployment rate continues to go up, even though the number of people who are employed is also increasing. Eysink says the higher unemployment rate is not because of layoffs, but because more people are looking for jobs

cut 11 (09) “find work”

The statewide unemployment rate for December was six-point-seven percent, up one-point-three percent from the year before. Eysink says they hope the number of people employed continues to go up, even though weak oil prices are leading to layoffs in the oil industry

cut 12 (07)  “this point”

______________________________________

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s annual convention begins today and the main agenda item is the current split of the football playoffs. There is a proposal to expand the postseason split of public and private schools to other sports. But new LHSAA executive director, Eddie Bonine, is asking schools to give him a year to come up with a proposal a bulk of the schools are pleased with…

Cut 13 (07)  “state again”

Bonine, who was hired in December, has spent the last couple of weeks talking with schools and getting their input. He believes since he’s new on the job, the best course of action is to stay with the split football playoffs for another year, so they can work on a better solution

Cut 14 (09)  “thing right”

The LHSAA voted in 2013 to split the football playoffs, because of concerns private schools had certain advantages over public schools. Bonine says he wants more time to dive into the issues that created the split and work with schools on a plan that will make it more equitable for teams to win a championship

(A vote on the football playoff proposals will take place Friday.)

Cut 15  (05)  “trial on”

______________________________________

As the northeast gets pounded by a blizzard, a group of students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston find themselves in the middle of it in New York City. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the search for a teen, wanted in connection to a weekend robbery, ended unexpectedly when the suspect was found dead. Sheriff’s spokesperson Maxine Trahan says officers responded to a call from a crawfisherman who discovered a body in a field just east of Crowley…

CUT 3 (08)  “face down”

The body was identified as 18-year-old Slye Mier (mere) of Crowley. Trahan says after the Sunday night robbery, Rayne Police were involved in a chase with a vehicle that Mier and the other suspect, a juvenile, occupied. She says when the pursuit ended, both Mier and the juvenile fled on foot…

CUT 4 (07)  “in the field”

Authorities say Mier’s death is being classified as suspicious, although the exact cause of death is unknown at this time. Mier’s body has been taken to Calcasieu Parish for an autopsy. Trahan says their investigation is ongoing…

CUT 5 (10)  “the investigation”

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

As the northeast gets pounded by a blizzard, a group of Louisiana high school students find themselves in the middle of it in New York City. Students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston are in the Big Apple on a school trip. Director of Student Activities Elizabeth Walker says yesterday’s curfew cancelled the Broadway show they planned to attend, but they are making the best of the situation…

CUT 6 (09)  “what we can”

Walker says the group totals 27 people, including 14 students. She says that, even with the weather conditions being less than optimal, they are taking in as much of New York as they possibly can, including Central Park…

CUT 7 (08)  “experience for us”

Walker says the eight inches of snow made this a fun and memorable trip for everyone in the group. She says they are scheduled to fly back home tomorrow…

CUT 8 (11) “fun to do”

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

Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies are searching for at least two suspects involved in a double homicide in Donaldsonville. Chief Deputy Tony Bacala says around 3:30pm yesterday they arrived at the scene of a reported shooting and found 37-year-old Chad Nichols dead on the front lawn of his house..:

CUT 9 (10)  “did not survive”

Bacala says 29-year-old Benny Booker of Prairieville was also found shot in the doorway of the residence and he succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. He says as of right now they don’t know who is responsible for these murders…:

cut 10 (10)  “Booker’s vehicle”

Bacala says the suspects killed the victims then one drove away in a 2008-2011 white BMW 3 series vehicle and the other stole Bookers vehicle which is a 2007 white Dodge Magnum. He says investigators are actively searching for both cars. Bacala says they believe the victims were targetting by the shooters…:

cut 11 (04)  “to rob them”

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

According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s possible, as the price of crude oil has stabilized between $45 and $48 a barrel…

cut 12 (09)  “of a plateau”

But Redman says there is also a chance that we could still see prices slip as we head into February…

cut 13 (06)  “into spring”

Redman says the drop in fuel costs is astounding, especially when you compare prices to this time last year…

cut 14 (09)  “a year ago”

The State Department of Health and Hospitals sets up a program that encourages Louisiana residents to take control of their health. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Police are among several law enforcement agencies looking into an ATM scheme along the I-10 corridor. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s budget picture continues to get worse because of falling oil prices. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The State Department of Health and Hospitals sets up a program that encourages Louisiana residents to take control of their health. The program is called “Own Your Own Health”. It’s a three month wellness challenge that can assist residents in living a healthier lifestyle. Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Director Rudy Macklin says you can participate as an individual or part of a team…

cut 4  (07)  “challenges in one”

The challenges are meant to motivate Louisianians to make small daily steps in creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. You can sign up at oyohla-dot-com. To help keep participants on-track, Macklin says a daily e-mail will be sent…

Cut 5  (09)  “based on age”

The daily e-mail will have meal and exercise suggestion for participants based on their age. They’re also offering prizes for participants who log-in and update their progress. Macklin says another aspect of OYOH is called “Own Your Own Health Now” which helps you make the correct choices regarding your own wellness…

Cut 6 (07)  “your own health”

______________________________________

State Police says they are assisting in an investigation looking into an ATM scheme where customer’s debit card numbers and pins may have been compromised along the I-10 corridor. Whitney Bank has issued a statement acknowledging that they found devices called “skimmers” on ATM card receptors. Sgt. Nick Manale says local and federal authorities are also investigating.

CUT 7 (10)  “neighboring states”

Whitney bank says as an extra precaution they have deactivated and reissued about 71- hundred debit cards. Manale says people need to be watching their accounts and statements to check for possible fraudulent charges.

Cut 8  (09)  “own accounts.” 

Manale says “skimmers” are placed to look like they are part of the ATM. He says these devices steal some of the bar code information off of card as well as the PIN number entered into the machine.

Cut 9 (09)  “look into.”

______________________________________

Entergy has cut the ribbon on a new power plant in suburban New Orleans that company officials say will reduce fuel costs and produce reliable and affordable power for Louisiana customers. Entergy Spokesperson Mike Burns says Ninemile 6 is already using 30 percent less fuel than other natural gas combustion plants.

Cut 10 (07)  “in 2016″ 

This is the first power plant Entergy has opened in Louisiana in 30 years. Burns says Ninemile 6 was completed under budget and ahead of time.

cut 11 (11) “721 million dollars”

The plant helps Louisiana’s economy by creating more jobs. Burns says Entergy plans to keep improving and modernizing their services and plants.

cut 12 (08)  “moving forward”

______________________________________

Falling oil prices will result in an 103-million dollar reduction in spending this fiscal year by state government. That determination was made by the Revenue Estimating Conference, after hearing from the chief economist for the Louisiana legislature, Greg Albrecht…

Cut 13 (09)  “is bad”

And based on economists projections, the Revenue Estimating Conference has increased the budget defict for next fiscal year by another 203-million dollars to one-point-six billion. Albrecht says weak oil prices are to blame for these falling oil prices…

Cut 14 (10)  “fiscal year with”

The 103-million dollar deficit for this fiscal year means, the Jindal administration will be forced to make cuts in the next few weeks. State government watchdog CB Forgotston says believes state government can handle that without a dramatic reduction to state services:

Cut 15  (07)  “unfilled positions”

A University of Michigan Medical School study finds there has been an almost 30-percent increase in the report of falls among the elderly since the late 90s. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

US Representative John Fleming of Minden has joined with eight other republicans to form the House Freedom Caucus. Jeff Palermo tells us more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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

A University of Michigan Medical School study finds there has been an almost 30-percent increase in the report of falls among the elderly since the late 90s. Dr. Cathi Fontenot, with LSU Health Internal Medicine, feels the increase could be, in part, due to older people maintaining higher levels of activity that make them susceptible to falls…

CUT 3 (09)  “get on ladders”

She says older adult’s higher activity levels are a result that they are generally feeling better and in better health…

CUT 4 (11)  “a little worse”

Fontenot says as one ages, your sense of balance typically gets a little worse. She says the weakening of core muscles in the elderly affect their sense of balance. Fontenot says it’s important to keep those core muscles as strong as possible to help maintain your balance…

CUT 5 (09)  “strengthens core muscles”

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

It’s estimated over three-thousand people attended Saturday’s prayer rally on the LSU campus that featured Governor Bobby Jindal. The event was also streamed live on God T-V and the governor, who spoke a couple of times, told the crowd in the Maravich Center why this event was needed

CUT 6 (12)  “fix our country”

Jindal, who is considering a campaign for President, didn’t talk politics while on the stage, but he did ask the crowd to pray for President Barack Obama. Jindal also said that God has given us the book of life

CUT 7 (10)  “our God wins”

The event also drew hundreds of protesters upset the American Family Association paid for the event. The A-F-A has been classified as a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, because of it’s views on same sex relationships. During a Sunday appearance on A-B-C’s “This Week,” Jindal was asked what he would do if the US Supreme Court overturned Louisiana’s law that bans gay marriages…

CUT 8 (11) “man and a woman”

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An accidental shooting at a Shreveport casino resulted in a man being hospitalized with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shreveport Police Cpl. Breck Scott says 34-year-old Jerry Grimes arrived at the casino valet early this morning…

CUT 9 (08)  “in the thigh”

Scott says Grimes was removing his firearm from his person and placing it in the trunk of his car when it discharged, shooting him in the upper thigh. Grimes was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  He says the investigation is ongoing, but Grimes had no signs of impairment…

cut 10 (05)  “on his person”

He says Grimes had no prior felony convictions that would make it illegal for him to carry a firearm. No charges have been filed at this time. Scott says, in the end, it’s fortunate that nothing more serious happened in this incident…

cut 11 (03)  “someone else”

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Republican Minden Congressman John Fleming says he along with eight other US House of Representatives have formed the House Freedom Caucus. Fleming says they’ll advance an agenda that calls for an of accountable and limited government

cut 12 (09)  “everyday lives”

Fleming says they plan on adding additional members to the House Freedom Caucus, but membership is only for those US House of Representatives that promote the liberty, safety and prosperity of all Americans

cut 13 (11)  “conservative”

Fleming says this new group of truly conservative lawmakers will look to advance legislation and also prevent measures that do not represent what he calls “America’s Agenda:….

cut 14 (08)  “amend it”

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today and will determine the budget shortfall the state is facing this fiscal year and next. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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It appears that state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming elections. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today  to determine the budget shortfall the state faces this fiscal year and next. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it’s likely mid-year cuts will be needed to offset the deficit. He says a big reason for the shortfall, lower than expected oil prices…:

cut 4  (10)  “less revenue”

Erwin says it’s hard to predict how much will be cut this fiscal year. He says we already had a projected shortfall of $1.4 billion for next fiscal year but more than likely that will grow as oil prices keep plummeting…:

Cut 5  (10)  “major part of those cuts”

Erwin says the falling oil prices aren’t the only reason we’re in this situation but the structure of the budget has never really been repaired since 2008-2009. He says we’ve just been borrowing money from ourselves over and over and then that ran out…:

Cut 6 (07)  “for state government”

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It appears state Treasurer John Kennedy is testing the waters for a few races in this year’s upcoming election. It’s reported Kennedy has hired Virginia-based North Star Opinion Research to poll the races for governor, attorney general, and if there was a special US Senate election in 2016. Kennedy says, at this time, he’s keeping his options open…

CUT 7 (09)  “best contribute”

The survey shows the Treasurer topping a possible attorney general’s race and the leading Republican in a US Senate race should David Vitter become governor. Kennedy says he’s had a number of different groups talk to him about serving in a different capacity…

Cut 8 (10)  “made one, yet” 

The poll shows Kennedy coming in third in the governor’s race behind Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards. He says he enjoys being state Treasurer and this doesn’t mean he will not run for re-election. Kennedy says he’s trying to weigh the advice he’s been given and think things through. He says he’ll make a decision about his political future soon…

Cut 9 (11)  “work through”

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The trial for a man accused of tying up and abandoning a baby pit-bull in October 2013 begins in Caddo District Court today, and there are plenty of angry citizens expected to be in attendance. The dog is now known as Braveheart and he is owned by Bo Spataro who says 32-year-old Gabriel Lee, charged with cruelty to an animal, has shown zero remorse…:

Cut 10 (10)  “it’s just a dog” 

According to authorities, when he was 4 months old, Braveheart was found chained inside a storage unit in Shreveport and it was believed he’d been there for several days as he was barely alive. Spataro says they are hoping Lee gets the maximum sentence allowed…:

cut 11 (08) “or ever again”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a release reminding those who plan to come to the trial no public demonstrations are allowed in or near the Courthouse. They say signs, buttons or t-shirts addressing the case are prohibited. Spataro says nothing like that is planned and they are asking that anyone who attend be a silent voice for Braveheart in court:

cut 12 (08)  “gone to waste”

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Senate President John Alario plans to meet with Governor Jindal this week to discuss ways to reduce a potential budget cut of up to $380 million dollars to Louisiana’s public colleges. He says that kind of cut would completely devastate higher education not only to the universities but to the children who are seeking it…:

Cut 13 (08)  “shutting down”

Alario says he’s also heard that LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is in danger if this type of cut comes down. He says they need to put their heads together and try to figure out how to fix this problem..:

Cut 14 (04)  “table”

Alario says one of the items of discussion that’s on the table is trying to increase revenue…:

Cut 15  (07)  “tougher job”

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LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says sophomore left-hander Jared Poche will start opening day on February 13th against Kansas, but he’s not sure on what the rest of his starting rotation will look like. Mainieri says he has several freshmen to choose from and the situation will play itself out during the non-conference portion of the schedule

Cut 16  (11)  “puzzle together”

LSU is expected to be young on mound this season, but Mainieri has confidence he’ll strong staff by the end of the season, because of pitching coach Alan Dunn…

Cut 17 (20)  “special”

Poche was a weekend starter last season and a Freshman All-American. The former Lutcher standout is one of eight returning pitchers and he likes what he sees from the young arms that have joined the team

Cut 18 (13) “to college’

The Tom Benson family situation that’s being aired out to the public is getting so heated that there may not be much room for repair. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Protests are planned outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for Saturday’s Global Prayer Rally. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued several citations on a group of people for allegedly hunting ducks illegally over a sewer plant in Acadia Parish. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says they got the tip that these Louisiana residents were possibly committing the violations…:

CUT 3 (10)  “left the scene”

Einck says in all 15 people were cited by agents and a total of 89 ducks were seized and 72 coots. He says it appears these people were going to the Rayne sewer plant because they just wanted to hunt…:

CUT 4 (08)  “any kind of way”

Einck says there were a number of violations that took place in this case but the biggest was wanton waste which means you don’t retrieve game that you harvest. He says the penalty carries up to a $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Einck says these people were just leaving the ducks in the sewage pond…:

CUT 5 (08)  “after you do shoot em”

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Multiple sources have reported that employees of General Electric’s plant in Pineville have been told that the facility is closing with the manufacturing jobs transferring to Jacksonville, Florida. The valve plant employs about 300 people. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says they haven’t gotten any official report from GE…

CUT 6 (06)  “flowed from”

Fields says employees were informed of the closing in a meeting held Thursday morning. He adds that there was no prior indication that the plant would potentially close down. Fields says this closing, not only will affect the 300 employees and their families, but also on other merchants in the area…

CUT 7 (09)  “to fruition”

Pineville has seen several facilities close in recent years, including Cotton Brothers Bakery and International Paper. Fields says they are currently looking for prospects to fill those sites. He is hoping the city’s luck will change in the near future…

CUT 8 (10) “pretty soon”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s dirty laundry is being aired to fans as a day after he announces he’s decided to leave the franchises to his wife instead of his kids, the former heirs sue claiming it was a decision made out of incompetence. Dr. Michelle Moore is a clinical psychologist at the LSU Health Sciences Center. She says a family battle like this is happens all the time…:

CUT 9 (11)  “over time”

The 87-year-old Benson responded to the lawsuit saying the allegations that he’s incapacitated are false and he intends to fight them every step of the way. Moore says this family battle can be repaired with simple open communication among members…:

cut 10 (09)  “ugly words”

The family suit claims Gayle Benson is a gold digger who has talked her husband into completely disconnecting himself from the kids and grandkids. Moore says this situation is that much more difficult because there is a ton of money involved…:

cut 11 (05)  “at stake here”

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Protests are planned outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for Saturday’s Global Prayer Rally. The American Family Association, known for its opposition of gay rights, is putting on the event and gay rights advocates plan to protest. “The Response” is a planned day of prayer for America. Spokesman Doug Stringer says we live in a country where we have freedom of speech and people do have the right to protest…

cut 12 (09)  “not about them”

Stringer calls the rally a call to prayer for a nation in crisis. Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to be one of many participants praying at the 6-hour event. Although hundreds of protesters are expected, Stringer says that will not distract them from their mission…

cut 13 (11)  “of our nation”

Peter Jenkins is the organizer of “Organize, Reflect, Act”, who will be protesting at the event. Jenkins says it’s important to note that his organization is not against a prayer rally, rather they oppose the American Family Association…

cut 14 (12)  “pray with them”

He says the American Family Association has a history of making anti-gay remarks. Jenkins says his event will begin with a march through the LSU campus and will be followed by several speakers and workshops. He says Saturday will not just be about protesting the American Family Association…

cut 15 (07) “in our communities”

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