New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond sent a letter to Airlines for America expressing concern that airfare prices have not gone down despite the significant decline in fuel costs. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A report from the department of education shows that nine-percent of public school students in Louisiana received out-of-school suspensions and expulsions last year academic year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is concerned that airfare prices have not gone down despite the significant decline in fuel costs. He expressed his concerns in a letter to Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America. Richmond says the fact that airline ticket prices haven’t gone down doesn’t make any sense to him…

Cut 3 (09) “fuel costs”

In a written statement, Airlines for America says air travel remains one of the best consumer bargains in America, given its superior speed and price versus other modes of travel. Richmond says it only seems fair that with the cost of fuel dropping rapidly, that some of those savings be passed on to consumers…

cut 4  (09)  “to American families”

Richmond says if air travel is cost prohibitive, it is a detriment to American families. He wants an explanation of what exactly makes up the price of an airline ticket. Richmond feels there’s a chance that this issue could be heard in a Congressional hearing…

Cut 5  (10)   “and the price”

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Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s a day which marks the birthday of the chief spokesman for the civil rights movement and is observed the third Monday of January each year. King’s birthday is January 15th. Dr. Faye Williams of Alexandria currently serves as the Chair of the National Congress of Black Women. She says today is a day of service…:

Cut 6 (09)  “servant of the people”

King delivered a 17 minute long speech at the March on Washington in 1963 which became known as I Have A Dream and became regarded as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory. He is credited with helping advance civil rights and was assassinated in 1968. Williams says a lot has changed since then…:

CUT 7 (11)  “will live on”

Williams says we should use today to remember Dr. King by calling on people from all walks of life to work together in providing solutions to our most pressing national problems…:

Cut 8 (07)  “that’s his legacy” 

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker is concerned about a department of education report that shows more than 61-thousand public school students received an out of school suspension last academic year as a result disciplinary action. That’s about nine-percent of the state’s public school students and senator Sharon Weston Broome believes that’s too high

Cut 9 (10)  “infractions”

The report also indicates about five-hundred students between K-and-12th grade received an out-of-school explusion because of their actions. Broome says she’s meeting with principals, school board members and teachers in an attempt to find out if sending a disruptive or troubled child home is the best punishment…

Cut 10 (10) “minor infractions” 

The report says out of school suspensions and expulsions were the result of fights, willful disobedience, disrespect of teachers or the use of drugs on campus.  Broome says another concern is that sending a misbehaving student home, will not correct their behavior in the future, and that issue needs to be discussed more

cut 11 (10) “need to exercise”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has named Gibson Elementary School in Terrebonne Parish and Claiborne Fundamental Elementary School in Shreveport as this year’s National Title I Distinguished Schools. The program recognizes two schools from each state. Gibson principal Sharon Henry says they get the honor for having made the most progress in closing the achievement gap with historically non-performing students…:

cut 12 (11)  “by 10%”

Henry says 89% of the students at Gibson are considered economically disadvantaged and the progress they have made is remarkable. She says the secret to such success is working together to do what’s right for kids…:

Cut 13 (07)  “be successful”

Henry says they are very pleased the staff and students’ hard work has been recognized on a national level. Claiborne Fundamental Elementary gets the honor for exhibiting high student performance for two or more consecutive years. Principal Ellen Hall says their teachers work extremely hard and they have a great parental involvement program…:

Cut 14 (10)  “and great things happen”

Hall says the secret to their success revolves around everybody having high expectations and believing that it can be done. She says the Title I part of the award means that they serve children who have been identified as having financial need, but that level of income for their parents does not put a ceiling on their ability to learn…:

Cut 15  (10)  “can not be done”

Lawmakers approved a 20% pay raise for State Troopers today during a Joint Legislative Budget Committee meeting. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the EPA has agreed to delay the open tray burn of the more than 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden for at least 90 days. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Joint Legislative Committee on the budget approved a 20% pay raise for state troopers. The original request from Col. Mike Edmonson was for a 30% increase but the measure was amended down to 20% reducing the cost from about $14 million to about $10 million. Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory says this is an easy item to support…

CUT 3 (05)  “of Louisiana”

Edmonson says this will be the first pay raise for Louisiana State troopers since 2002. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says supporting a pay hike for troopers is the right thing to do…

CUT 4 (11)  “a pay grid”

The vote from the House side was 24-5 and the Senate side 13-3. Much of the pushback today came from lawmakers who argued the request came as somewhat of a surprise and the process was too rushed. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue voted against the measure. He told Edmonson that while he supports troopers, the state simply can not afford to speed through making a decision on so much money…:

CUT 5 (11)  “affect is”

Benton Senator Robert Adley, who also voted against the measure, says it’s against the law to give troopers money out of the designated fund until the dollars are appropriated by the legislature. But Edmonson says that is not accurate…:

CUT 6 (10)  “be honest with these people”

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Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the EPA has agreed to delay the open tray burn of the more than 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden for at least 90 days. He says they also have now said they would support any decision on an alternative method to get rid of the explosives by the DEQ and the National Guard…:

CUT 7 (09)  “that’s progress”

The propellant was found improperly stored at Camp Minden back in 2012. Reynolds says since the material is on Louisiana soil that means we own it and can make another decision on a way to get rid of it. He says they want to use the incinerator burn method but time is of the essence…:

CUT 8 (07) “to a certain point”

Reynolds says there will now be more meetings and further discussions on the way this 15 million pounds of M6 should be disposed of in a way that does not harm the environment. He says this is “half time” and now is not the time to let up because the town hasn’t won yet…:

CUT 9 (06)  “that would be great”

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State Police say a hostage situation in Evangeline Parish turned deadly with the suspect being shot and killed by police. They say the unidentified man took his girlfriend hostage in a trailer park in Pine Prairie. Master Trooper Brooks David says the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to call from a neighbor…

cut 10 (06)  “the residence”

A neighbor reported a domestic violence situation with shots fired. David says when the sheriff’s deputies arrived, no one would answer the door to the residence. They then set up a perimiter and contacted State Police for assistance. David says after troopers arrived, gunshots were fired from inside the residence…

cut 11 (05)  “to kill her”

The female hostage broke out a window and screamed to the officers that she was going to be killed. David says, at that time, the hostage taker presented himself in the window… (The woman was rescued and received only minor injuries in the incident.)

cut 12 (04)  “hostage taker”

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The four announced candidates for governor met in Baton Rouge today to discuss ways Louisiana can have a better highway system. The idea of raising the gasoline tax was not discussed, but republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he would look into toll roads if elected…

cut 13 (12)  “the traffic”

The lone democrat in the race, Amite representative Jon Bel Edwards, says tolls are not feasible, because of congestion on major highways. Edwards says Louisiana could spend more money on highways, if state government made sure Transportation Trust  Funds went to roads and not other areas…

cut 14 (12)  “and bridges”

Edwards also suggested dedicating an additional 25-percent of the state’s construction budget to the highway priority program. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says in too many cases transportation projects are funded as a political favor and that needs to stop

cut 15 (12) “capital outlay process”

Republican US Senator David Vitter says one of his priorities as the next governor would be to develop a targeted highway building plan…

cut 16 (09) “with Congress”

The chair of the House Appropriations committee, Jim Fannin, says he won’t support the pay increase for State Police when Col Mike Edmonson makes the request today before the Joint Budget committee. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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State Senate President John Alario says forthcoming budget cuts to higher education would be disastrous to institutions across the state. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The four announced candidates for governor meet today to discuss how to solve the state’s transportation issues. Scott Carwile has a preview…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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Jonesboro Rep. Jim Fannin says he won’t support the pay increase for State Police when Col Mike Edmonson makes the request today before the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. A bill was passed last session which created an account with motorists fines to be used for LSP. But Fannin says lawmakers have bigger fish to fry right now than pay raises…:

cut 4  (08)  “to deal with”

Fannin says with so many other state agencies cutting budgets in the mid-year, it wouldn’t be a good time to give troopers such a big increase. Edmonson says the reason he wants to get the money for this increase is because troopers haven’t had a raise since 2002. But Fannin says that is not accurate…:

Cut 5  (06)   “agency”

Fannin says the request from Edmonson is just a very small piece of a much larger fiscal issue legislators are facing. He also says a 30% increase is unreasonable…:

Cut 6 (08)  “at this time”

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State Senate President John Alario says forthcoming budget cuts to higher education would be disastrous to institutions across the state. The Jindal administration has discussed a potential $200 to $300 million cut to higher education. But Alario says he’s heard it could be as high as $380 million which would be devastating…

CUT 7 (13)  “that higher education”

The state has projected a $1.4 billion budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, and that number could rise due to falling oil prices. It’s expected that higher ed will take the brunt in efforts to try to balance the budget. Alario says this budget crisis could force as many as 16 campuses across the state to close, including Pennington Biomedical Research Center…

Cut 8 (08)  “to those areas” 

At this point, Alario doesn’t see how such cuts can be avoided. He has reached out to his colleagues in the Senate to come up with ideas to help alleviate the problems. Alario says all options are on the table, including a tax hike to help increase revenue…

Cut 9 (07)  “a tougher job”

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The major candidates in the 2015 Governor’s race will get together for the first time today in a forum that will address transportation and infrastructure issues. The event is sponsored in part by The Louisiana Associated General Contractors and CEO Ken Naquin says all of the candidates agree that improving airports and roadways is important.

Cut 10 (07) “central discussion” 

US-Senator David Vitter, Public Service Commission Scott Angelle, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and state Representative John Bel Edwards are expected to attend the two-hour forum in Baton Rouge this morning. Naquin says they’ll be looking to see which candidate has the best plan for funding better roads…:

cut 11 (07) “how do we pay for them”

Naquin says Louisiana is on the cusp of generating almost 900 million dollars in industrial expansion. He says the candidates understand a lack of infrastructure could jeopardize that…:

cut 12 (10)  “increase workers”

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After a cold and cloudy week in Louisiana, get ready for some warmer temperatures and sunshine. Gary Chatelain, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says we’re going to see a January thaw over the next few days….

Cut 13 (10)  “for awhile”

Chatelain says we’ll see high temperatures in the mid 50s today, but the warm-up doesn’t stop there. ..

Cut 14 (09)  “few days”

Chatelain says we normally see high temperatures near 60 at this time of the year, so after a week with highs in the 40s, we are due for some warmer weather…

Cut 15  (06)  “going on now”

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The Saints are not involved in championship Sunday, but the N-F-C and A-F-C title games will feature several players from LSU and Louisiana. Former Dutchtown star Eddie Lacy, who rushed for 101 yards in Green Bay’s win over Dallas last week, says he’s looking forward to playing in his first championship game…

Cut 16  (13)  “football team”  

Former LSU standout Brandon Lafell will also play in his conference title game on Sunday as his New England Patriots host the Colts. Lafell caught the winning TD pass last week, but he expects the Patriots will the run the ball more this week after only just a handful rushes in the win over the Ravens…

Cut 17 (15)  “everything else”

Houma native and former Louisiana Tech standout Tramon Williams won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2011 and the veteran cornerback says the key to getting back to the Super Bowl will be tackling Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch….

Cut 18 (10) “on the ground’

A Baton Rouge shoe store employee is being uncooperative with LSU Police in regards to the sale of game-worn LSU football equipment on eBay. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Oil prices fell again today, but the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association president is optimistic we will not see a repeat of the 1980s oil bust. Jeff Palermo has the story..

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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A Baton Rouge shoe store employee is being uncooperative with LSU Police in regards to the sale of game-worn LSU football equipment on eBay. Capt. Cory Lalonde says they determined that 25-year-old Fletcher Sanders was the seller of the cleats and gloves advertised on the website. Lalonde says Sanders told investigators that he was the seller and sold the items for an LSU football player…

CUT 3 (10)  “those items”

Lalonde says Sanders will not give the name of the person who gave him the items. He says equipment used in games is property of the team and the players are only allowed use of those items. Lalonde says police are still looking to determine if Sanders actually received the equipment from an LSU football player…

CUT 4 (07)  “the investigation”

Sanders was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on counts of principal to theft and possession of stolen items. The LSU Athletic Department is fully cooperating with the investigation. Lalonde says it’s obvious the person who gave the property to Sanders did not have permission to do so…

CUT 5 (08)  “items are currently”

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Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have cited three men on several fishing violations in Terrebonne Parish after bragging to an off-duty agent about their illegal activity. Spokesman Adam Einck says the off-duty agent was fishing near two of the culprits in Bayou Chauvin…

CUT 6 (10)  “against the law”

The men told the agent that they had already caught their limit of red drum and were going to go catch some more. Einck says the men were witnessed off loading their daily limit to another man waiting at the boat launch in a truck. He says the off-duty agent then saw the two men re-launch to do some more fishing…

CUT 7 (12)  “second trip”

44-year-old Vernell McBride, 37-year-old Troy Dangerfield, both of Houma, and 47-year-old Nelson Robinson of Luling are cited for fishing without a license and possessing over the limit of red drum. Einck says the fishing limits are there to ensure a healthy fish population. He says you never know when you’ll come across a LDWF agent…

CUT 8 (05) “they’re off-duty”

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The price of oil has fallen over 50-dollars in the last six months, but the head of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is not anticipating another oil bust like we saw in the 1980s. LOGA President Don Briggs says companies in the oil industry learned from that event to make sure they can stay in business….

CUT 9 (07)  “employed”

Briggs says while he doesn’t see a large number of oil and gas companies going under, there will be some belt tightening and that’s already occurred

cut 10 (09)  “drilling wells”

Briggs says a positive sign for the Louisiana oil and gas industry is that  work in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where there are currently 55 active rigs, has not been impacted by the low oil prices

cut 11 (03)  “long term products”

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The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office says a former speech therapist from Franklinton High School is under arrest for allegedly having sex with at least 2 students under the age of 17. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says after the complaint came in, they were able to gather enough evidence to arrest 40-year-old Kimberly Cooke…:

cut 12 (10)  “she is a former teacher now”

Haley says on Wednesday the suspect was booked with two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles…:

cut 13 (10)  “involved with”

Haley says this news is shocking and there is no excuse for such exploitation of juveniles…:

cut 14 (09)  “itself”

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

According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A BYU and Cornell University study shows that kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are served lunch at school after recess.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The current Louisiana statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now below $1.95 and the American Automobile Association says they didn’t see this coming.

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

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According to the Violence Policy Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation. The study details homicide rates for 2012. VPC executive director, Josh Sugarmann, says this is the ninth year they’ve conducted this report and Louisiana’s black homicide rate far outpaces the national average…

cut 4  (08)  “per 100,000” (2x)

Louisiana’s black homicide rate is 25.75 per 100,000, much higher than the national average of 18.03. There were 384 black homicide victims in Louisiana in 2012. Sugarmann says, in black homicides where the weapon used could be identified, one weapon stood out far above all others…

Cut 5  (09)   “were handguns”

Louisiana’s black homicide rate is more than five times the overall homicide rate nationwide. Sugarmann says the average age of a black homicide victim in Louisiana is 29-years-old. He says what’s striking about homicide, in general, is that the victims are usually male…

Cut 6 (09)  “were female”

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A BYU and Cornell University study shows that kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are served lunch at school after recess. The study, done in Utah, showed that feeding kids after recess prompted 45-percent more kids to eat fruits and vegetables. Pennington Biomedical Research Center dietician Catherine Champagne (shom-pine) says this study presents an option that should be explored…

CUT 7 (07)  “were hungrier”

The study also shows that waiting until after recess to feed kids lunch increases fruit and veggie consumption by 54-percent per child. Champagne says this method of feeding students after recess certainly goes against the grain…

Cut 8 (07)  “excess calories” 

The authors of the study feel that students are not only hungrier after recess, but they feel less rushed to finish lunch in order to maximize playtime. Champagne thinks this study will influence others around the country…

Cut 9 (04)  “state as well”

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The current Louisiana statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now below $1.95 and the American Automobile Association says they didn’t see this coming. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says they predicted the bottom price at the pump would be at or slightly above $2.00 a gallon…:

Cut 10 (13) “for the consumer” 

Redman says this all has to do with the state of crude oil which is now selling for about $45.00 a barrel. He says that’s down over $60 since just July…:

cut 11 (08) “prices down”

Redman says in addition to supply being up, there is also a weakened demand particularly in Asia — but also in Europe which still hasn’t pulled out of its recession. He says historically though when refineries make the switch-over to summer blend gasoline, you can expect the price to start going back up…:

cut 12 (08)  “are currently”

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The Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette is hosting a big fundraiser tonight to help pay for Grammy nominated local artists trip to attend Music’s Biggest Night in Los Angeles. Spokeswoman Erin Segura says all proceeds from, “Gateway to the Grammys” will go directly towards travel expenses for Grammy nominated musicians The Magnolia Sisters, Jo-El Sonnier and Bonsoir, Catin: (bon-swan) (ka-tain)

Cut 13 (12)  “the Grammys”

Segura says the Recording Academy announced its nominations for the 57th Grammy awards two weeks ago and the three Cajun groups were nominated for the Best Regional Roots Album Grammy. She says tonight’s event is an opportunity for the community to come together and show their Louisiana love for these three deserving acts…:

Cut 14 (07)  “themselves”

The three Cajun artists will be showcasing their talent at the Vermilionville’s Performance Center from 7pm-11pm. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are just $15 per person. Segura says they really hope Louisiana takes home this Grammy…:

Cut 15  (13)  “our culture”

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New LSU football coaches are fired up for their opportunities to coach the Tigers back to an SEC championship. New LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will have the difficult assignment of developing schemes to slow down the spread offenses in the league. Steele will have some points of emphasis once he begins to game plan…

Cut 16  (17)  “big play”  

Joining Steele is a Louisiana native Ed Orgeron, who will coach the defensive line. Orgeron has had several coaching stops since he graduated from Northwestern State University since 1984.  Coach “O” says he didn’t need much convincing when Les Miles called him late Tuesday afternoon…

Cut 17 (16)  “get here”

Orgeron has been named recruiter of the year multiple times during his career by various media outlets. But the South LaFourche grad says recruiting is only half the battle when it comes to putting together a great defense

Cut 18 (21) “great players’

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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State Representative Gene Reynolds says a closed door meeting with the E-P-A did not produce an agreement over the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant stored in Webster Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces criminal charges in their death. 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide…

CUT 3 (06)  “in Shreveport”

Browning says Johnson is being treated for medical issues unrelated to the fire. He says once she’s released from medical care, the warrant will be executed. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…

CUT 4 (12)  “closer to noon-time”

Browning says Johnson told authorities she left the home at 1PM to have her hair styled. The fire broke out around 3:30PM. He says investigators are still trying to determine the precise cause of the fire. But Browning says they believe the fire originated at a gas space heater inside the home…

CUT 5 (07)  “started the fire”

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The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson, Brittany Peete…

CUT 6 (10)  “January night”

In a statement, the Alexandria Zoo says this incident appears to be a result of human error and not a system failure. Peete says PETA is requesting the USDA to investigate the zoo…

CUT 7 (10)  “veterinary care”

PETA wants the zoo to be held accountable for any possible violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Zoo officials say the employee in question, who was initially placed on administrative leave, has resigned. Peete says PETA is pleased about this news…

CUT 8 (10) “caring for animals”

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A state lawmaker concerned about potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish did not get the answers he was seeking in a closed door meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds is pushing for an incinerator burn, but E-P-A continues to say an open tray burn is safe and easy

CUT 9 (09)  “the air”

Despite the meeting, the E-P-A still plans on doing a trial burn, but Reynolds says one should not occur until they receive assurance that unhealthy material doesn’t go into the air…

cut 10 (05)  “your house”

The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it. But Reynolds says the state owns the explosives, so they should have the final say on the method of disposal…

cut 11 (11)  “on it”

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A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:

cut 12 (12)  “dignified lives”

According to their findings, the average Louisiana couple with one child accrues expenses adding up to 55-thousand dollars a year, but most people make far less. Bustamante says they use parameters such as housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and taxes. He says another of their recommendations is to increase the minimum wage…:

cut 13 (12)  “earned income tax credit”

He says they also think expanding Medicaid would be a huge help…:

cut 14 (07)  “in Louisiana”

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

Researchers from the LSU Health Sciences Center are encouraged with a new drug that’s derived from sea moss which could be used to treat Alzheimer’s. Scott Carwile has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Senator David Vitter announces he has raised $4 million dollars for his bid to become governor of Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Police is requesting a 30% increase for many of its troopers. Michelle Southern reporting.

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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A researcher at the L-S-U Health Sciences Center in Shreveport hopes sea moss found below the surface of the Pacific Ocean could be used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Doctor Steven Alexander and his team have tested a drug derived  from sea moss and it has a positive effect on mice who suffer from human Alzheimer’s disease

cut 4  (06)  “cognition”

Alexander says they are seeking FDA approval to begin clinical trials on humans and they believe that could happen because this drug, known as Byronstatin, (Bri-oh-stat-in) is effective in pill form…

Cut 5  (09)   “quite a long time”

Alexander says Byrostatin may not be able to cure a person who has Alzheimer’s, but he’s hopeful it could stop the memory loss…

Cut 6 (11)  “life quality”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is excited about the opening of its brand new student union today. Garland “Chico” Rodriguez is the Assistant Director of building services for UL-Lafayette. He says the two year project now sees the bookstore, Cajun Card office, office of international affairs and much much more…:

CUT 7 (12)  “semester basis”

Rodriguez says the student government association and university program council will also be moving into the new building. He says one of the things they are most excited about is the brand new dining hall…:

Cut 8 (12)  “and the service” 

Rodriguez says there are multiple food stations in the new union and a large courtyard which overlooks the university’s Cypress Lakes. He says the $40 million dollar project was funded by student fees and anyone who’d like to take a look at it can log on to studentunion.louisiana.edu for all updates and hours of operation…:

Cut 9 (09)  “that’s available”

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Senator David Vitter announces he’s raised $4 million dollars for his bid to become governor of Louisiana. According to his campaign, almost 90-percent of the contributions are from in-state donors. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s impressive, but it’s not the whole story…

Cut 10 (12) “David Vitter’s campaign” 

Alford says the Vitter-friendly Super PAC, which will spend a lot money supporting Vitter’s gubernatorial bid, has raised another 3.9 million dollars. And he says Vitter is raising money through his Senate finance campaign account, which can’t be used directly on his gubernatorial campaign, but it can be donated to the Super PAC…

cut 11 (10) “it’s unprecedented”

He says Vitter is re-writing the book on campaign finance in Louisiana. Republican candidate Scott Angelle has reported raising $1.5 million and Democrat John Bel Edwards is reporting fundraising totals of $1 million. Alford reminds voters the election is still many months away and a lot could happen…

cut 12 (07)  “very well change”

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State Police is requesting a 30% increase for many of its troopers. Col Mike Edmonson says the money is coming from a special fund approved in last year’s legislative session which collects fines from drivers with expired auto insurance and puts them in an account for LSP salaries. He says they were asked to find a mechanism that would fund a pay adjustment:

Cut 13 (10)  “spend those dollars”

Edmonson says he will make the request to spend the money in the account at the joint legislative budget committee on Friday when they will vote to approve it. Some have been critical of the timing of the increase as the state faces budget woes and the price of oil is so low, but Edmonson says this has been a long time coming…:

Cut 14 (10)  “they’ve done that”

If lawmakers approve the money shift, starting pay with benefits for troopers would go from about $35,600 a year to $46,600 a year. Edmonson expects this will be approved as he’s heard nothing negative from lawmakers on this matter…:(This will be the first raise for rank-and-file troopers since 2002.)

Cut 15  (10)  “decision”

______________________________________

LSU hires Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele as the next defensive coordinator for the Purple and Gold. Prior to coaching at Alabama, Steele served three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, helping Clemson win the A-C-C in 2011. He also served as the head football coach at Baylor from 1999-2002 compiling a record of 9-36 overall in the Big 12. Football analyst Mike Detillier…:

Cut 16  (19)  “ass off”  

Steele coached linebackers for the Carolina Panthers in the 1990s. Detillier says the defensive philosophy of Steele will be very different from former DC John Chavis…:

Cut 17 (18)  “a quarterback”

Coach Les Miles released a statement saying Steele has been very successful as a coach with a great defensive mind & an outstanding recruiter. The Mad Hatter says Steele knows the LSU players, the Tiger’s system and the SEC. Detillier says one of the areas LSU needs major improvement is with development of defensive lineman…:

Cut 18 (15) “defensive lineman’

Sad story out of Bastrop as two young children who authorities believe were left home alone while their mother was getting her hair done, died in a house fire. Michelle Southern reporting…:

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Nearly 400-thousand people in Louisiana have dealt with the flu bug during this influenza season. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Sad story out of Bastrop as two young children who authorities believe were left home alone while their mother was getting her hair done, died in a house fire. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the blaze, which ignited Monday afternoon, was likely started by a gas space heater inside the wood-framed home…:

CUT 3 (10)  “home alone”

Browning says investigators discovered the bodies of a 4-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy at the Madison Parish home. He says criminal charges are anticipated if they confirm that there was nobody responsible for supervising the children when the fire started. Browning says investigators believe the young siblings never had a chance to get out…:

CUT 4 (12)  “require supervision”

The mother has been identified as 21-year-old Ciarra Johnson and her 4-year-old daughter is Tashae Johnson and 3-year-old son named Clifton Johnson. Browning says if they do find out that the mother didn’t ask anyone to supervise the children why she was gone, negligent homicide charges could be coming…:

CUT 5 (10)  “we’re gonna do that”

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It’s a bad flu season and the numbers prove it. Doctor Frank Welch, medical director for the state’s immunization program, says nearly an estimated 400-thousand people have come down with the flu during this flu season and influenza has hospitalized up to four-thousand people…

CUT 6 (11)  “as well”

Welch says they are still seeing an extraordinarily large number of cases reported each week, but

CUT 7 (10)  “anymore”

Welch says the strain of flu that’s most predominent is H-3-N-2….

(Even though the flu vaccine is not a direct match with the flu strain going around, Welch still advises getting an influenza shot.) 

CUT 8 (10) “of the flu”

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The Monroe Police Department says a stand off situation at an elderly assisted living complex has ended with one man dead. Detective Reggie Brown says a resident courtesy officer at Frances Towers reported shots fired from the apartment of 64-year-old Adam Spillman. Brown says the courtesy officer and a police officer went to make contact with Spillman…

CUT 9 (10)  “victim to safety”

Spillman shot the courtesy officer, 76-year-old Alton Sutter, in the leg. Brown says Spillman then barricaded himself in his apartment. He says SWAT teams were brought in and they were able to negotiate with Spillman to surrender peacefully…

cut 10 (09)  “local area hospital”

Sutter succumbed to his injuries at a local area hospital. Brown says Spillman is a military veteran, but he did not see any combat. The investigation is ongoing and it has not been determined what charges Spillman will face. Brown says, according to witness statements, there is a question in regard to Spillman’s state of mind at the time of the shooting…

cut 11 (10)  “is in question”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy announces that audits of life insurance companies have uncovered more than $31 million in unclaimed property for beneficiaries in the past eight years. He says the audit found that some insurance companies violated their life insurance contracts…

cut 12 (11)  “keep the money”

Kennedy says the audits are necessary because families are often unaware that an insurance policy exists and unless the insurance company tries to locate beneficiaries, the benefit will go unpaid. He says they’re already helping people receive life insurance payments…

cut 13 (11)  “her a check”

The audits are one component to the state’s Unclaimed Property Program. Kennedy says if you think you are owed money, you should search their website… (The website is latreasury-dot-com.)

cut 14 (08)  “at your leisure”

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Officials in northwest Louisiana plan to meet with the EPA today over plans to conduct an open burn of the 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden. Eric Gill reports…

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Applications are once again being accepted for the state’s Louisiana Scholarship program, also known as the voucher program. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is in its 46th year and the lineup once again includes huge acts. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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Officials in northwest Louisiana plan to meet with the EPA today over plans to conduct an open burn of the 15 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds is representing the community’s concern over the potential health effects of burning this propellant. He believes there is another solution…

cut 4  (12)  “that are useful”

Reynolds suggests an incinerator burn of the propellant. He also says that scientists have come up with other ways to dispose of the propellant. The concern among citizens is that the open burning of this propellant will pollute the air around the site. Reynolds feels that another open test burn is unnecessary…

Cut 5  (10)   “burn out here”

The EPA says they are working to assure the safety and effectiveness of onsite, controlled open-burning of the propellant. Reynolds says he’s looking from one thing from the EPA: data that an open burn is safe…

Cut 6 (11)  “of this stuff”

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Louisiana’s scholarship program, also known as the voucher program, is now accepting applications from low-income families who wish to have their child attend a private school of their choice with the use of state dollars. Ann Duplessis, president of the Louisiana Federation for Children says the other major qualification is that the student is enrolled in a low-performing public school..

CUT 7 (10)  “a scholarship”

Families may apply at the department of education’s website or in person at the participating school of their choice through February 27th. Last year over 13-thousand families applied and nearly 74-hundred were awarded vouchers. Duplessis says the reviews from participating parents are very good…

Cut 8 (06)  “life changing” 

Duplessis says not only are parents satisfied, but they are seeing results in the classroom as student proficiency on the LEAP and I-LEAP grew more than two percent from 2013 to 2014…

Cut 9 (10)  “and support”

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Louisiana’s newly selected Higher Education Commissioner is starting a statewide tour to introduce himself to communities and school leaders. Joseph Rallo will be in Natchitoches today, Shreveport tomorrow and Monroe on Thursday. He says he wants all of the system presidents to be be on the same page when it comes to dealing with issues facing higher ed…:

Cut 10 (04) “vitally important” 

Rallo says he plans to engage with leaders who share the common goal of creating a stronger economy through higher education. He wants to make sure the needs of all students are being met…:

cut 11 (04) “and duplicative”

Rallo says he’ll also be working to develop partnerships which he says are vital to areas dealing with the budget. He says higher ed is at the center of workforce development and the creation of new opportunities…:

cut 12 (11)  “took a stand”

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The 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is in its 46th year and the lineup once again includes huge acts like Elton John, Lady Gaga along with Tony Bennett, Keith Urban, The Who, Ed Sheeran, Chicago,  Steve Winwood and many many more. Festival Producer Quint Davis says they are very excited about this year’s performers which are big across the board…:

Cut 13 (10)  “in every genre”

Jazzfest this year is April 24th to May 3rd and you can get the full schedule online a nojazzfest.com. Tickets are on sale starting today. Davis says they have 500 acts taking the stage this year and 425 of them are from New Orleans or Louisiana…:

Cut 14 (10)  “in every category”

The headliner for Sunday May 3rd has yet to be announced and Davis said it will be another exciting name. Other exciting names playing this years festival are Aaron Neville, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Galactic and Pitbull. Davis says they strive to have something for everyone…:

Cut 15  (13)  “like anything”

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An interesting candidate has emerged for LSU’s vacant defensive coordinator position. Charles Hanagriff, of 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge, reports LSU officials have spoken to Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Smart could be looking for a change of scenery to help build his resume for a potential head coaching job down the road

Cut 16  (12)  “with him”  

The 39-year-old Smart has been Alabama’s defensive coordinator the last seven seasons. He reportedly made one-point-three-million dollars last year. But Hanagriff says Smart looks at LSU’s job as an opportunity to show he can coach, without Nick Saban looking over his shoulder

Cut 17 (09)  “bit faster”

LSU’s search for a defensive coordinator is entering its third week, but Hanagriff says fans shouldn’t be concerned that they have yet to find a replacement for John Chavis…

Cut 18 (15) “every option’.

President Obama is working on the details of a plan to offer two years of free community college education to any American to help train the US workforce. Eric Gill has more…

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an accidental shooting which left a man dead and another behind bars. Michelle Southern reports.

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President Obama is working on the details of a plan to offer two years of free community college education to any American to help train the US workforce. Dr. Monty Sullivan, the head of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, says it’s exciting that the work of two-year colleges is getting national recognition…

CUT 3 (10)  “very, very positive”

This program is estimated to cost the federal government around $60 billion over 10 years. Details on how this will be funded will be released next month. Sullivan admits that it is a lot of money, but people shouldn’t look at this as another big money expenditure…

CUT 4 (11)  “grow the economy”

The President will promote the initiative in his State of the Union address on January 20th. Initially, this program has received a cool reception from the Republican-controlled Congress. Sullivan says if this can make it through the legislative process, it will be a great opportunity all the way around…

CUT 5 (10)  “of tomorrow”

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Republican US Senator David Vitter says he plans to be active in Washington D-C, even though he’s running for governor this year. Vitter says he has several priorities and one of them is to pass a highway and transportation bill that would help improve traffic flow on major highways…

CUT 6 (09)  “that issue”

With the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline below two-dollars a gallon, there’s talk in Washington about raising gas taxes to fund highway construction needs. But Vitter says instead of raising taxes, use the additional revenue from increased oil and gas production

CUT 7 (04)  “highway system”

Vitter says he’ll also work to repeal the Affordable Care Act and if Obamacare is not going away, then the federal health care laws should apply to everyone in Washington, meaning even the President would have to purchase his insurance through the Marketplace

CUT 8 (04) “top appointees”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an accidental fatal shooting that occurred as a man was adjusting his pants. Sgt. Mary Ann Godawa says officers responded to the scene and found the victim lying at the end of a driveway, suffering a gunshot wound to his chest. She says cops questioned witnesses and the suspect, 19-year-old Jawan Lloyd Billy…:

CUT 9 (11)  “killed the victim”

Billy is charged with negligent homicide and possession of a stolen firearm. Godawa says the two friends had been sleeping near each other in a garage apartment…:

cut 10 (07)  “handgun went off”

Godawa says there is a valuable lesson here…:

cut 11 (08)  “in the vehicle”

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The US Supreme Court has rejected a plea to consider striking down Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this doesn’t mean the issue is dead…

cut 12 (07)  “on the issue”

This decision from the US Supreme Court means the district court ruling upholding Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage must first be challenged in a federal appeals court. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week on the issue. Ciolino thinks it’s a toss-up on how the 5th Circuit will rule…

cut 13 (06)  “spring, for sure”

He thinks the 5th Circuit will issue a ruling sometime this spring. Circuit Courts have ruled differently on this issue, creating a circuit split on the issue of same-sex marriage. Ciolino thinks the US Supreme Court wants to let the 5th Circuit choose which way it thinks the issue should go…

cut 14 (08)  “the following term”