With a warmer winter than usual, the mosquito population has exploded in Louisiana. LSU Assistant Professor of Entomology Kristen Healy says temperature plays a lot into mosquito development. She says the insects are more active when the weather is a little warmer but rain is also factor that plays into an increase in mosquitoes…:
cut 12 (06) “for them”
Healy says with the increased mosquito population, there is also an increased risk for contacting mosquito borne illnesses.

Nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard are deploying to Europe, and a farewell ceremony is being held in their honor on Saturday in New Orleans. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says the airmen will participate in critical training missions during the 90 day deployment…:
Cut 10 (08) “NATO allies”
Hasenkampf says demonstrating the United States’ commitment to NATO is a national priority.

A former-Neville high school choir teacher is facing additional counts amid allegations he was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. At least five victims have come forward with claims that 25-year-old Christian Amos provided them with weed at his apartment and requested sexual acts. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely have his license suspended…:
Cut 5 (11) “those kinds of things”
Amos’ charges include prohibited sexual conduct between a student and educator and distribution of marijuana.

Nine parishes are eligible for disaster assistance as a result of a recent drought, according to Ag Commissioner Mike Strain. They are Bossier, Caddo, Concordia, East Carroll, Madison, Morehouse, Tensas, Union and West Carroll. Farmers and ranchers located in these parishes are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency.

Nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard are deploying to Europe, and a farewell ceremony is being held in their honor on Saturday in New Orleans. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says they’re sending 270 airmen and 12 F-15 fighter jets to the European Command…:
Cut 9 (12) “in Europe”
Also tomorrow, more than a dozen Airmen with the Louisiana National Guard will bid farewell to their families and friends at the Camp Beauregard Post Theater in Pineville at 8am.

The latest West Baton Rouge work release inmate that escaped has been captured by the US Marshal Service at a hotel in Oklahoma City, according to officials. They say 34-year-old David Graham walked off his job Wednesday morning, and he now faces an escape charge on top of an original drug charge, that could lead to an additional six months to a year behind bars. He will also be kicked out of the work release program.

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival is tomorrow in Lake Charles. Co-chair and co-found of the festival Nick Vallaume says the big focus is on Louisiana breweries. He says over 125 beers are on the menu from about 45 different breweries this year…:
CUT 26 (06) “as well”
Tickets are 50 dollars per person and are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com .

UL-Lafayette hosts it’s first home game of the season in the newly renovated venue now known as M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park. The Cajuns play host to Southern Mississippi for a three-game series, but the stadium isn’t entirely finished. School officials say a new stadium club, new suites and a new upper concourse “will not be accessible” until the stadium is completed.

A former-Neville high school choir teacher is facing additional counts amid allegations he was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. 25-year-old Christian Amos was arrested for allegedly giving pot to students and possibly enticing them to have sex with him. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again…:
Cut 3 (09) “suspended”
At least five victims have come forward with claims that Amos provided them with weed at his apartment and requested sexual acts.

A rally to show support for President Donald Trump will take place tomorrow at the State Capitol. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness encourages attendees to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire…:
Cut 25 (07) “supporting America”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school..:
CUT (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Over one thousand archers from 45 Louisiana schools will compete in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament tomorrow in Shreveport. The students will be competing for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship and the chance to go on to the national tournament. Jan McGovern is with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:
Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

A Spirit of America Rally to show support for President Donald Trump will be held on the steps of the State Capitol at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Similar events have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this rally. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will speak before what they hope to be a large crowd.
Cut 4 (09) “to speak”
Tickets are not required to attend.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot. Talbot says there are several programs that administer the scholarship…
Cut 15 (10) “accepting vouchers”

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival is tomorrow in Lake Charles. Co-chair and co-found of the festival Nick Vallaume says what makes this special is their big focus on Louisiana breweries. He says over 125 beers are on the menu from about 45 different breweries this year.

Cut 11 (09) “hot blooded”
Tickets are 50 dollars per person and are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com (lawinterbeerfest.com).

More 20-thousand taxpayers in Louisiana are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these people haven’t received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18.
Cut 7 (11) “general fund”

A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow to show support for President Donald Trump. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says it’s time for the country, regardless of political party, to come together to support President Trump…:
Cut 6 (04) “about unity”
The free event begins at at 1:00 p.m.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot…:
Cut 14 (08) “of dollars”
Talbot says the way it is set up, local schools do not lose state funding and companies who donate receive rebates, so they lose very little as well.

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A former choir director at Neville High School in Monroe is facing additional charges related to his arrest on allegations of sexual misconduct with students and providing his victims with marijuana. BESE member Gary Jones says they will attempt to have 25-year-old Christian Amos’ teaching license revoked if he is convicted.

A rally to show support for President Donald Trump will take place tomorrow at the State Capitol. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness encourages attendees to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire…:
Cut 5 (07) “supporting America”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

You probably don’t want Uncle Sam to keep the money he owes you but you’d be surprised at how much cash is on the table. In Louisiana, people who didn’t properly file tax returns in 2013 could be owed more than $21 million in unclaimed refunds. IRS spokesperson Bill Brunson says they will help you:
Cut 8 (08) “no charge”
To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

The former teacher from Neville High School accused of inappropriate behavior with students and distribution of drugs has had more charges added to his booking. 25-year-old Christian Amos allegedly gave pot to students and may have tried to entice them into sexual relationships. BESE says this will result in the suspect’s teaching license being revoked.

The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank building. Co-chair and co-founder of the Festival Nick Villaume says they chose Lake Charles to host the event to show off the culture and history of the city….:
Cut 10 (10) “as well”
Tickets are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com.

LSU gets a chance to face some of the best teams from the Big 12 this weekend when they compete in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Tonight, LSU faces top ranked TCU, on Saturday it’s undefeated Baylor and Sunday its 21st ranked Texas Tech.

A Spirit of America Rally will take place Saturday on the steps of the State Capitol to support President Trump. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor John Bel Edwards is the latest to say that Congressman Cedric Richmond should apologize for making a controversial, what some say is sexist, comment about White House aid Kellyanne Conway. The New Orleans US Rep said she looked “kind of familiar” in a kneeling position. A spokesman for the governor says Richmond needs to admit the comment was off color.

A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot:
Cut 13 (08) “a fact”
The money to support this tuition program comes from corporations and private donors, with parents covering the remaining costs.

The IRS says unclaimed federal income tax refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1 million taxpayers who did not file a 2013 federal income tax return. In Louisiana, $21.2 million may be available to an estimated 20,300 taxpayers. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson…:
Cut 9 (10) “timely manner”
To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to show support for President Donald Trump. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will address what they hope will be a large gathering..:
Cut 4 (09) “to speak”
Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event.

Over 20-thousand Louisiana taxpayers are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these individuals have not received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18:
Cut 7 (11) “general fund”
Brunson says the median potential refund is $763.

More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school…:
CUT 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards says “without question” Congressman Cedric Richmond should apologize for comments Richmond made about a member of President Donald Trump’s staff. The New Orleans US Representative said Kellyanne Conway “looked familiar” in a position where she was seen in kneeling on a sofa in the Oval Office. Richmond has said the “joke” was taken out of context.