Filing your taxes will be a bit different from recent years with 2018 being the first year of the Trump administration’s implementation of a new tax plan. CPA Carrie Grinnell says she’s heard from the IRS that tax refunds should be processed and distributed just as timely as it was in past years despite the recent government shutdown, but…
Cut 9 (04) “…another shutdown looming.″

There’s been a rash of measles outbreaks across the country, and Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Frank Welch says it’s a great reminder to make sure you and your children are vaccinated against the virus. The doctor says the disease is spread through coughing and physical contact with infected surfaces, and that it can at first feel like a run-of-the-mill sickness.
Cut 12 (07) “…feeling great.”
Once an infected person coughs, the virus can linger in the air in that area for up to two hours.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents of south Louisiana to be aware of a rabies-like disease spotted in animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. It’s called canine distemper and it is contagious to unvaccinated dogs. State wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says if you feed your dog outside, you should bring in food and water dishes inside after they are done eating and he recommends having your dog vaccinated.
Cut 14 (08) “…7-in-1 shot.”
At 12:45 this afternoon at Amite High School, we’ll find out where the state’s top two remaining uncommitted football players will sign. Ishmael Sophser is considered one of the nation’s top defensive tackles. He’s been recruited heavily by Alabama, LSU and Oregon.
24-7 ranks LSU as having the sixth best recruiting class in the nation.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents to be on the lookout for symptoms of a virus that could kill your dog. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Ishmael Sopsher isn’t the only Amite star the Purple and Gold are racing to lock up. Four star prospect, cornerback/wide receiver Devonta Lee is also reportedly leaning towards Baton Rouge. Embody says it’s been a long hard fight for the Tangipahoa star, but it looks ready to come to a close…
Cut 6 (12) “…pick LSU.”

Filing your taxes will be a bit different from recent years with 2018 being the first year of the Trump administration’s implementation of a new tax plan. CPA Carrie Grinnell says while the presentation of the tax forms were pitched as being simpler, she says it appears it’s a bit more spread out.
Cut 8 (10) “…to successive pages.”

There’s been a rash of measles outbreaks across the country, and Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Frank Welch says Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but there’s been an uptick in the number of cases in recent years. Most new cases are directly linked to travelers returning from unvaccinated countries, and Welch says almost all of those infected share one thing in common…
Cut 11 (08) “….vaccinated.”

Measles is on the rise nationwide and The Louisiana Department of Health says it’s a good reminder to make sure your kids are getting vaccinated.
Cut 2 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”

LSU has the 6th ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports heading into National Signing Day today. 247Sports analyst Billy Embody says at the top of the list is the battle for one of the best defensive tackles in the nation, Ishmael Sopsher from Amite in the perpetual recruiting battleground of Tangipahoa Parish.
LSU has six scholarships left to offer.
The Tigers are considered the leaders in the race for four star defensive back Maurice Hampton out of Memphis, but even if he signs his letter of intent, Embody says he may not be sticking around, instead opting to play baseball…
Cut 5 (1) “…draft.”

Filing your taxes will be a bit different from recent years with 2018 being the first year of the Trump administration’s implementation of a new tax plan. CPA Carrie Grinnell says the taxpayers will notice the standard deduction is higher, but the forecast is that a majority of taxpayers may see that offset by the lack of itemized deductions.
Cut 7 (09) “…the standard deductions.”

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents of south Louisiana to be aware of a rabies-like disease spotted in animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. It’s called canine distemper and it is contagious to unvaccinated dogs. State wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says the virus will affect a dog’s gastrointestinal tract to start with.
Cut 13 (10) “…in unvaccinated dogs.”

Filing your taxes will be a bit different this year. Kevin Barnhart speaks to CPA Carrie Grinnell to find out what to expect.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
LSU has the 6th ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports heading into National Signing Day today. 247Sports analyst Billy Embody says at the top of the list is the battle for one of the best defensive tackles in the nation, Ishmael Sopsher from Amite in the perpetual recruiting battleground of Tangipahoa Parish.
Cut 4 (09) “…that parish.”
There’s been a rash of measles outbreaks across the country, and Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Frank Welch says it’s a great reminder to make sure you and your children are vaccinated against the virus. Welch says before mass vaccinations, measles was a serious threat to young children, and could leave them permanently disabled or worse…
Cut 10 (10) “…children”
The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents of south Louisiana to be aware of a rabies-like disease spotted in animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. It’s called canine distemper and it is contagious to unvaccinated dogs. State wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says the virus will affect a dog’s gastrointestinal tract to start with.
*commodities*

Filing your taxes will be a bit different this year.  Kevin Barnhart speaks to CPA Carrie Grinnell to find out what to expect.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Measles is on the rise nationwide and The Louisiana Department of Health says it’s a good reminder to make sure your kids are getting vaccinated.

Cut 2 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents to be on the lookout for symptoms of a virus that could kill your dog.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

LSU has the 6^th ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports heading into National Signing Day today. 247Sports analyst Billy Embody says at the top of the list is the battle for one of the best defensive tackles in the nation, Ishmael Sopsher from Amite in the perpetual recruiting battleground of Tangipahoa Parish.

Cut 4 (09) “…that parish.”

LSU has six scholarships left to offer.

The Tigers are considered the leaders in the race for four star defensive back Maurice Hampton out of Memphis, but even if he signs his letter of intent, Embody says he may not be sticking around, instead opting to play baseball…

Cut 5 (1) “…draft.”

Ishmael Sopsher isn’t the only Amite star the Purple and Gold are racing to lock up. Four star prospect, cornerback/wide receiver Devonta Lee is also reportedly leaning towards Baton Rouge. Embody says it’s been a long hard fight for the Tangipahoa star, but it looks ready to come to a close…

Cut 6 (12) “…pick LSU.”

___________________________________________________

Filing your taxes will be a bit different from recent years with 2018 being the first year of the Trump administration’s implementation of a new tax plan.  CPA Carrie Grinnell says the taxpayers will notice the standard deduction is higher, but the forecast is that a majority of taxpayers may see that offset by the lack of itemized deductions.

Cut 7 (09) “…the standard deductions.”

Grinnell says while the presentation of the tax forms were pitched as being simpler, she says it appears it’s a bit more spread out.

Cut 8 (10) “…to successive pages.”

Grinnell says she’s heard from the IRS that tax refunds should be processed and distributed just as timely as it was in past years despite the recent government shutdown, but…

Cut 9 (04) “…another shutdown looming.″

_________________________________

There’s been a rash of measles outbreaks across the country, and Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Frank Welch says it’s a great reminder to make sure you and your children are vaccinated against the virus. Welch says before mass vaccinations, measles was a serious threat to young children, and could leave them permanently disabled or worse…

Cut 10 (10) “…children”

The vaccine was created in 1963, and the number of new cases has dwindled to just thousands.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but there’s been an uptick in the number of cases in recent years. Most new cases are directly linked to travelers returning from unvaccinated countries, and Welch says almost all of those infected share one thing in common…

Cut 11 (08) “….vaccinated.”

Welch says the vaccination is highly effective, and recommends children get two, the first when they turn one, and the second when they turn four.

The doctor says the disease is spread through coughing and physical contact with infected surfaces, and that it can at first feel like a run-of-the-mill sickness.

Cut 12 (07) “…feeling great.”

Once an infected person coughs, the virus can linger in the air in that area for up to two hours.

_____________________________

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning residents of south Louisiana to be aware of a rabies-like disease spotted in animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks.  It’s called canine distemper and it is contagious to unvaccinated dogs. State wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says the virus will affect a dog’s gastrointestinal tract to start with.

Cut 13 (10) “…in unvaccinated dogs.”

LaCour says if you feed your dog outside, you should bring in food and water dishes inside after they are done eating and he recommends having your dog vaccinated.

Cut 14 (08) “…7-in-1 shot.”

In the event you think your dog may have been infected, LaCour says take your pet to the vet as distemper can be diagnosed clinically as well as through lab tests.

Cut 15 (10) “…in unvaccinated dogs.”

The virus has no effect on humans.

State health officials say we are seeing widespread flu cases as we approach the Carnival season.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, and since it appears the Pelicans are not interested in moving forward with any of the Lakers trade proposals for Anthony Davis, Los Angeles has reportedly put on hold it’s efforts to acquire A-D. There have been reports the Pelicans are seeking six to eight picks, contract relief, and young talent for their All-Star big man and may prefer to wait until the summer to see what other deals are out there. Boston, who has a treasure chest of attractive assets, is reportedly set to make an offer after the season.

The jaguar that escaped his cage at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and killed nine other animals last summer is back on display after a half-year hiatus. Vice president of the Zoo Joel Hamilton says after the tragic breakout, they redesigned the exhibit to make it safer, and more appealing, and that Valerio is an important part of the zoos mission to educate the public about the rapidly disappearing population of wild jaguars and other large felines.

Cut 8 (08) “these animals”

Valerio was born in San Diego in 2015, and moved to New Orleans in 2017.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards has announced the establishment of Operation Angel, a program where individuals suffering from addictions can turn to local law enforcement for help in getting to rehab. Edwards says it’s already proving effective.

Cut 14 (04) “…getting them there.”

The jaguar that escaped his cage at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and killed nine other animals last summer is back at a newly constructed exhibit. The jag chewed through a fence in his enclosure and went on a killing spree back in July of 2018, before he was ultimately sedated by zoo employees. He’s been kept out of public view for some time, but Jaguar Jungle Curator Liz Wilson says the new showcase is perfect for the big cat.

Cut 7 (10) “…welfare”

Valerio killed five alpacas, an emu, and three foxes during the incident.

The Department of Health says it’s time to go get your flu shot as 6 percent of recent hospital visits were reportedly for flu like symptoms. LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says the main strain going around is a very serious strain known as H1N1…

Cut 4 (04) “…more serious type.″

LSU has the 6^th ranked recruiting class heading into National Signing Day tomorrow, with six roster slots yet to fill.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine gets 11 and a half million dollars in funding to launch the Center for Lung Biology and Disease.  LSU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Gus Kousoulas says the state is swamped with lung disease issues, and further research into the biology of how the body reacts to initial infections and fights them off will be crucial to addressing those problems.

Cut 11 (09) “…disease.”

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards has announced the establishment of Operation Angel, a program where individuals suffering from addictions can turn to local law enforcement for help in getting to rehab. For those that might be paranoid that it could be a trap, Edwards says part of the program is working with the permission of the DA’s office, and those in need of help need not fear legal ramifications.

Cut 13 (11) “…with a crime.”

Addicts in Tangipahoa Parish can now turn to a source of help they may not have expected… law enforcement.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the rise as almost 6% of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms. LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says the state has seen several small outbreaks in schools and nursing homes.

Cut 3 (07) “…as last year.”

Welch make sure you are vaccinated.

The jaguar that escaped his cage at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and killed nine other animals last summer is back on display after a half-year hiatus. Vice president of the Zoo Joel Hamilton says after the tragic breakout, they redesigned the exhibit to make it safer, and more appealing.

Cut 6 (11) “next step”

Valerio was born in San Diego in 2015, and moved to New Orleans in 2017.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine gets 11 and a half million dollars in funding to launch the Center for Lung Biology and Disease.  LSU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Gus Kousoulas says the grant is a big win for the university, and may result in up to 16 million dollars in direct funding, and an even more substantial windfall for the local economy.

Cut 10 (06) “…here.”