Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond just wrapped up a press conference where he provided a few more details in the shooting death of rookie police officer Chateri Payne. Three men have been arrested. Raymond says one of the suspects was romantically involved with Payne, who was shot multiple times in uniform before she was set to begin her shift.

The Board of Regents has released preliminary numbers that shows only 32-percent of students who are admitted into a college without meeting minimum admissions, graduate in six years, compared to half without exemptions. Students admitted by exceptions also averaged a 2.0 grade point average, while non-exempt students averaged a 2.7. But Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says student athletes who didn’t meet admission standards perform much closer to average…
cut 8 (09) “…successful”

Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Jay Cicero says even retailers that do not sell Saints merchandise benefit from the Black and Gold, especially if they keep winning in the playoffs…
Cut 4 (12) “…than that.”
The Saints will host the Rams Sunday in the NFC Championship game.

Louisiana Family Forum is on the hunt for the state’s longest married couples. For the last three years, a couple from Benton have had the title for longest married. But Lawrence and Varrie Player passed away in 2018. LFF’s Kristie Cross says it’s an effort to encourage future generations on marriage.
Cut 10 (08) “…thick and thin.”

A Board of Regents report finds that students who do not meet academic requirements, but are still able to enroll at a college, do not perform at the same level as those students who met the academic requirements. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says many of those students admitted by exceptions are first generation college students, who need more support to succeed in college…
cut 9 (11) “….successful”

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is ranked 10th among all nursing schools in the United States according to a ranking by Nursing Schools in Almanac. Dean and Professor Demetrius Porche says it’s a proud achievement…
cut 15 (11) “…within nursing”

According to data from the National Education Association, public school teachers who first start out, are paid about 15-hundred dollars more than the national average for rookie teachers around the country. But after a few years, the average salary for a veteran teacher falls significantly below the national average. Teacher unions say the higher than average starting salary attracts teachers to the profession.

The Louisiana Family Forum is seeking the best examples of lasting love as they want to find the longest married couples for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Three men have been arrested in last week’s shooting death of rookie Shreveport police officer Chateri Payton, who was shot multiple times outside a home as she was leaving for her night shift. The suspects have been charged with second-degree murder and more information will be released at 10 AM.

A Board of Regents report shows students who get into college with “academic exemptions” perform notably worse than students who do meet the minimum requirements for admission…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU Health New Orleans Nursing School is ranked 10th among all nursing schools in the United States by Nursing Schools Almanac. Nursing Dean and professor Demetrius Porche says the national ranking shows LSU Health New Orleans is doing its part to meet the demand for nurses…
cut 14 (10) “…licensure”
Porche credits the dedication of their nursing students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Valentine Day’s is about a month away and the Louisiana Family Forum is looking for the top ten longest married couples that can be entered into the L-F-F Marriage Hall of Fame. Kristie Cross says it’s a ranking they put together every year…
cut 11 (11) “..and 74 years”
For more information go to the Louisiana Family Forum website.

Three men are behind bars charged with murder in the slaying of rookie Shreveport police officer Chateri Payne. 26-year-old Treveon Anderson, 22-year-old Lawrence Pierre and 38-year-old Glenn Frierson are facing a charge of second-degree murder. Police will release more details about last week’s murder of Payne at 10 AM today.

A Board of Regents report shows students allowed into higher education through “academic exemptions” had noticeably lower college GPA and graduation rates. The report was spurred by LSU’s admission that they had doubled the number of exempted students allowed into the institution. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says most of the exemptions were in one category.
Cut 7 (06) “…requirement.”
Reed says the report also shows student-athletes admitted by exceptions perform closer to the average, because they receive more academic support.

With the Saints hosting two playoff games this month, it’s keeping hotel rooms booked in the Crescent City. It’s unknown how many fans the Rams will bring to Sunday’s NFC Championship game, but President of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Jay Cicero, says they know Who Dats will be there…
cut 5 (12) “….weekend”

The Louisiana Family Forum is once again looking for the state’s longest married couple. Unfortunately, the longest married known couple the last three years, Lawrence and Valerie Player of Benton, both passed away in the last year, so Kristie Cross says the Louisiana Family Forum is looking for a new couple to honor on Valentine’s Day…
cut 12 (11) “…go to them”
Entries into the Family Forum must be made by February 5th.

Shreveport police have arrested three individuals in connection with last week’s fatal shooting of rookie police officer Chateri Payne, as she was getting ready to report for her night shift. The suspects apprehended range in ages from 22 to 38-years-old. More details will be released at a 10 AM press conference with police chief Ben Raymond.

Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. Connor Ferrill has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Connor Ferrill.”

The Board of Regents has released preliminary numbers that shows only 32-percent of students who are admitted into a higher education institution without meeting minimum admissions, graduate in six years. compared to half without exemptions. Students admitted by exceptions also averaged a 2.0 grade point average, while non-exempt students averaged 2.7. But Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says student athletes who didn’t meet admission standards perform much closer to average…
cut 8 (09) “…successful”

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the 10th best nursing school in the nation by Nursing Schools Almanac, and 4th among all public schools. Nursing Dean Demetrius Porche credits the wealth of programs available, and the success of their graduates.
Cut 13 (10) “…we have.”

Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. Connor Ferrill has the Story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Connor Ferrill.”

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A Board of Regents report shows students who get into college with “academic exemptions” perform notably worse than students who do meet the minimum requirements for admission…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Louisiana Family Forum says they are seeking out the best examples of lasting love with the longest marriages in the state in time for Valentine’s Day.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Jay Cicero says even retailers that do not sell Saints merchandise benefit from the Black and Gold, especially if they keep winning in the playoffs…

Cut 4 (12) “…than that.” 

The Saints will host the Rams Sunday in the NFC Championship game. Cicero says it’s hard to say how many Rams fans will show up in the Crescent City, but there will be plenty of Who Dats in the French Quarter, C-B-D and Warehouse district this weekend…

Cut 5 (12) “…weekend.”

Cicero says if the Saints win Sunday and advance to the Super Bowl in Atlanta on February 3rd, he expects another big crowd for Super Bowl weekend in the Big Easy…

Cut 6 (06) “…the game.”

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A Board of Regents report shows students allowed into higher education through “academic exemptions” had noticeably lower college GPA and graduation rates. The report was spurred by LSU’s admission that they had doubled the number of exemption students allowed into the institution. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says most of the exemptions were in one category.

Cut 7 (06) “…requirement.”

Students at LSU need a 25 on the ACT to get in, while statewide universities like UL-Lafayette require a 23, and regional schools like Southeastern call for a 20.

Only 32 percent of those with exemptions in 2010-2011 graduated in six years, compared to half of those without exemptions, and their GPA’s averaged 2.0 while nonexempt students averaged 2.7, But Reed notes student athletes with exemptions performed much closer to the average due to their support networks.

Cut 8 (09) “…successful.”

Only two thirds of students with exemptions returned to college after their first year, compared to 82 percent of those without. Reed says many of those exempt are first generation college students, who need more support from the state in their academic careers.

Cut 9 (11) “…successful.″

In 2001 the Board mandated LSU only allow four percent of their admissions to be exemptions.

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Louisiana Family Forum is on the hunt for the longest married couples throughout the state.  For the last three years, a couple from Benton have locked in the title for being married the longest.  But that couple passed away in 2018, and another couple will be taking the distinction.  General council at LFF Kristie Cross says it’s an effort to encourage future generations on marriage.

Cut 10 (08) “…thick and thin.”

Cross says the organization will be on the lookout through early February in an effort to make an official recognition on Valentine’s Day.  Here’s how the top ten looks.

Cut 11 (11) “…and 74 years.”

Cross says upon finding the top couple, LFF will plan a celebration around the duo.

Cut 12 (11) “…go to them.”

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LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the 10^th best nursing school in the nation by Nursing Schools Almanac, and 4^th among all public schools. The rankings surveyed 3,200 programs nationwide. Nursing Dean Demetrius Porche says they traditionally fare well in these rankings due to the wealth of programs available, and the success of their graduates.

Cut 13 (10) “…we have.”

Porche says the program is a vital piece of the Louisiana healthcare machine, and will grow even more important as the healthcare needs of the state increase over time.

Cut 14 (10) “…licensure.”

The Dean and Professor says it’s a proud moment for the venerable institution.

Cut 15 (11) “…within nursing”

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The Saints return to practice today to get ready for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Rams. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram knows they are going up against a good team

Cut 16 (17)  “…good game”

The Rams feature one of the top running backs in the NFL in Todd Gurley. Linebacker A-J Klein says Gurley is a big, physical running back that’s hard to tackle…

 cut 17 (18)   “…match-ups.” 

There’s only a few Saints players still around from the 2009 Super Bowl team. Offensive Tackle Terron Armstead says he’s looking forward to playing his first NFC championship game and he doesn’t take this opportunity for granted…

Cut 18 (15)   to a win” 

The Rolling Stones and Katie Perry are two of the major headliners of the 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest, as the event’s musical lineup was released today.  Festival producer Quint Davis explains the undercard isn’t too bad either as it features some of the biggest names in music.

Cut 7 (11) “…Trombone Shorty.”
Tickets go on sale for Lousiana residents at the Superdome box office this Thursday.

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

Cut 9 (11) “…Saints.″

Two trucking companies involved in the fatal Florida interstate crash that killed five Marksville children are being sued…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are still trying to determine the cause

Cut 12 (09)   “…wood burning stove.” 

The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest has unveiled its lineup, and it features some of the biggest names in music. Festival producer Quint Davis says there are no shortage of acts to grab the attention of festival enthusiasts. Pop superstar Katy Perry will perform during the first weekend of the festival and a legendary act rumored is now confirmed….

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

Davis says the rest of the US tour for the Stones has been sold out for months, but says locals will get the first opportunity to buy tickets this week.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies involved in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says his office is conducting its own investigation into the tragedy.

Cut 3 (10) “…discovered”

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” And if the Saints power past the Rams for this Sunday’s NFC Championship clash, they’ll be taking that trip to Atlanta. New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s a wonderful city, and luckily for the Black and Gold Nation, easy to get to.

Cut 10 (09) “…bus services.”

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says s when State Fire Marshal investigators arrived, local firefighters were still extinguishing the fire

Cut 14 (12) “…92nd birthday.”

The blaze started around 3:15 Monday afternoon.