The Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office. In their ruling, the Court says what residents voted on in 1997 did not match what was enacted by the state legislature. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the justices put a lot of thought into this opinion…:
CUT 3 (10) “the right way”
He believes lawmakers will likely bring this issue up to voters again.

Another lawsuit has been filed by those wanting to block the removal of four Confederate monuments in New Orleans. This time the preservationists are taking their case to state court, after US District Judge Carl Barbier rejected their challenge Tuesday. The New Orleans City Council in December voted to declare the statues a public nuisance, clearing the way for them to be taken down.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s taking over the appeal of a ruling that blocked Louisiana’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. The case is left over from the Jindal administration. Landry says the cancellation of Medicaid contracts for Planned Parenthood was put into place by DHH because of the appalling acts in which the organization was allegedly involved…:
Cut 13 (09) “going to”
Planned Parenthood denies accusations put forth in videos by an anti-abortion group that show its system leaders illegally selling fetal tissue.

A New Iberia man who won $1 million dollars from the record $1.58 billion dollar Powerball drawing has come forward and claimed his prize. The Louisiana Lottery says 30-year-old Gregory Guardia matched all 5 numbers and received $700,000 after taxes were withheld. The winning ticket was purchase at Food N Fun in New Iberia and they get a $10,000 bonus, 1% of the prize.

The Department of Health and Hospitals submits two plans that outline how $131 million in cuts would be spread across the Medicaid program to address the current budget shortfall. DHH Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says one scenario would eliminate funding for certain Medicaid programs..:
CUT 8 (08) “aging population”
He says if legislature does not go along with Governor Edwards solutions, then these are the types of reductions they are facing.

Another hat has officially been throw into the ring in this year’s US Senate race for the seat being vacated by Senator David Vitter. Retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness, a Republican, says he should be elected for the position because, in order to change things in Washington, people need to start voting for someone who hasn’t been a part of the system…:
CUT 6 (11) “Mike Lee did”

The Monroe man who shot a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent has been sentenced to life in prison. Emelie Gunn has more on the sentencing…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The New Orleans Fire Department arrests a man in connection with Wednesday’s six-alarm fire on Canal Street. They say 25-year-old Darren Denly was taken into custody. Officials believe Denley lit a fire in the building in an effort to keep warm. He faces municipal charges of setting fires and crossing police lines.

Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The man arrested in San Diego, wanted for sexually abusing children in Louisiana nearly 40 years ago, claims that he is not the former Monroe children’s TV show host who went by the name “Mr. Wonder.” Authorities identify the man as Frank Selas III, but the man arrested Monday spells his name slightly differently. Officials say the 76-year-old fugitive changed his name. A hearing has been scheduled for February 11th to establish the man’s identity.

A Monroe man has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent last May. 29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust shot Sgt. Scott Bullitt during a vehicle stop. Ouachita Parish District Attorney Jerry Jones says Hust showed no remorse…

cut 12 (11) “wheelchair”

Sgt. Bullitt hasn’t returned to duty and is still undergoing rehab.

The Department of Health and Hospitals they’ll have to cut payments to hospitals or eliminate certain Medicaid programs if forced to take a 131-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says they’ll have to wait and see what happens in next month’s special session…

cut 9 (08) “without a deficit”

He says these options are worst-case scenarios and hope that they will not have to be implemented.

The state health department provides two different scenarios on what could happen if additional revenue is not found to fill the state’s 750-million dollar budget shortfall this year…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee voted to ratify the public-private school football playoff split that was approved by principals in 2013. That means for now the split is back on after LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine said earlier this month that the procedure used to change the format was unconstitutional.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’ll handle the appeal of a ruling that blocked Louisiana’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. He says it’s in the best interest of taxpayers to protect the integrity of our Medicaid program by pursuing this appeal…

cut 15 (08) “that we took”

Then-Governor Bobby Jindal announced plans to defund Planned Parenthood after controversial secretly taped videos showed organization officials talking about selling aborted fetus parts for medical research.

29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust of Monroe has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. Hust was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says they’re very happy that the judge and the prosecutors were able to get Hust locked up for the maximum time possible…

cut 11 (08) innocent people”

Einck says Hust has been a lifelong criminal and he doesn’t need to be on the streets.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s taking over the appeal of a federal judge’s order that Louisiana must continue funding the health services Planned Parenthood provides. Landry says the issue before the court now is whether or not DHH is allowed to cancel a contract…

cut 14 (10) “these types of contracts”

Landry says, as AG, he has the Constitutional authority to defend all legal issues in state government.

A Monroe man has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says last May 29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust shot Sgt. Scott Bullitt during a basic vehicle stop after suspecting drugs or alcohol…

cut 10 (10) “that night”

Hust was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder.

Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness has officially thrown his hat into the ring for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Maness says voters are wanting change and Washington, D.C. will never fix itself from the inside…

cut 5 (10) “from the outside”

Maness is a 32-year veteran of the Air Force who has never held political office.

If forced to take a 131-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year, the Department of Health and Hospitals lays out two different scenarios on what would happen. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says in one they would eliminate funding for certain Medicaid programs, like hospice, long-term personal care and services that help those with developmental disabilities…

cut 8 (08) “aging population”

The second would reduce spending by 119-million dollars to hospitals that are operated by both the state and a private company.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee voted to ratify the public-private school football playoff split that was approved by principals in 2013. That means for now the split is back on after the LHSAA’s executive director Eddie Bonnine said two weeks ago that the format was unconstitutional. This vote clears the way for members to vote on a measure that would expand the playoff split to include basketball, baseball, and softball. There is also a proposal that would split playoff teams into metro and rural divisions.

Last night in college basketball, South Florida used 11 total blocked shots to shut down Tulane 73-60. Dylan Osetkowski led the way for the Green Wave with 16 points. Malik Morgan scored 15 in the losing effort. Tulane has now lost four in a row. They travel to Tulsa Saturday.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts Texas-San Antonio in Conference USA action. The Bulldogs have lost three of their last five.

In the Sun Belt, ULM welcomes Texas-Arlington to Fant-Ewing Coliseum and UL-Lafayette takes on Texas State at the Cajundome.

The Pelicans continue their seven game homestand tonight as they face the Sacramento Kings. Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful after suffering concussion like symptoms in Monday’s loss to Houston. Tyreke Evans is listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to pain in his surgically repaired right knee. An MRI shows a bit of tendinitis, but no structural damage.

LSU announces the Tigers will begin spring practice on Monday March 7th and its spring game will be played on April 16th at 3 PM in Tiger Stadium. No word yet if it will be televised. Also pro day, a chance for NFL scouts to watch draft eligible players work out will take place on March 14th.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior has been named a captain for Team Rice for this year’s Pro Bowl. There are five other former Tigers who made the pro bowl and two of them are set to play in Sunday’s game. Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry will join Beckham on Team Rice. Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth will play on Team Irvin. Tyran Matthieu and Patrick Peterson are injured. Trai Turner is busy preparing to play in the Super Bowl.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s taking over the appeal of a ruling that blocked Louisiana’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Landry says the cancellation of Medicaid contracts for Planned Parenthood was put in place by DHH because of the appalling acts in which the organization was involved…

cut 13 (09) “going to”

Planned Parenthood denies accusations put forth in videos by an anti-abortion group that show its system leaders illegally selling fetal tissue.

Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. He says he joined the field to answer a call by the people of the state…

cut 4 (12) “for us again”

Maness placed third in 2014′s US Senate primary.

The state Department of Health and Hospitals lays out two different scenarios on what would happen if its forced to take a 131-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says under the first option, they would reduce spending by 119-million dollars to hospitals that are operated by both the state and a private company…

cut 7 (11) “of the state”

Reynolds says under the second scenario they would eliminate funding for certain Medicaid programs, like hospice, long-term personal care and services that help those with developmental disabilities.

40% of households in Louisiana are considered in poverty and struggle to afford day-to-day needs, according to a new report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways. President and CEO Sarah Berthelot says basic needs are considered things like housing, child care, food, transportation, medical care. She says they hope the study can serve as a vital tool…:
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You can view the report at launitedway.org.

A constitutional amendment which bans those with felony convictions from running for state office has been declared invalid by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Derrick Shepherd, a Democrat from Marrero who pleaded guilty to money laundering in 2008, tried to run for a spot in the Louisiana House last fall, but he was stopped because the state doesn’t alliow convicted felons to run for office. The Supreme cour ruled today citizens voted on something different than what was enacted by the Legislature.

The contained burn chamber that will be used to dispose of 16 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden is scheduled to arrive at the Part of Natchitoches on February 6th. Col. Pete Schneider with the National Guard says the 400,000 pound container is on the Mississippi River now, but when it heads to Camp Minden it will be loaded onto a vehile…:
CUT 14 (10) “Camp Minden”
The burn chamber was constructed in Oklahoma and the only other chamber like it is in Denmark.

New Orleans firefighters had a tough time this morning battling a major six-alarm blaze that had smoke covering downtown and caused the closure of the famous Canal Street between the CBD and the French Quarter. It started at one building then spread to another. Officials say there were no reports of injuries, but the risk now is for collapse.