Governor John Bel Edwards unveiled his 30 billion dollar budget Friday, the largest in state history, and one that includes 10 million in increased spending in higher ed, 15 million more for TOPS, more healthcare funding, and the 1,000 dollar pay raise he’s touted for months. But LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s just one problem, the state doesn’t quite have enough revenue recognized yet to pay for it all…

Cut 3 (11) “…produce.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras has blocked an increased revenue projection at the Revenue Estimating Conference that would fund those increases in spending.

Gas prices have been on a noticeable rise throughout the state recently.  In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the rising trend has been happening all throughout the month of February.

Cut 9 (10) “…$2.13 a gallon.”

The Fire Marshal is asking for the public’s help IDing a suspect in a January 15^th Jonesborough suspected arson case that’s gone unsolved despite video of the person of interest. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a person wearing a light colored hoody and pants was seen leaving the scene just before a fire ignited in the kitchen of the home.

Cut 12 (10)   “…the fire.”

No one was injured in the incident.

A state of emergency has been declared in Morehouse Parish as back flood waters of Bayou Bartholomew are posing a risk to the area as more rain is being predicted in the region within the next week. The declaration led to the closure of all parish schools today due to rising waters on some roads. The risk has increased after Morehouse saw historic levels of rainfall in the last week that began posing a threat two days ago in Bayou Bartholomew.

LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says Governor Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget is only a wish list as long as an increased revenue forecast is held in limbo…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Gas prices are on the rise in Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart talks with AAA fuel analyst Don Redman to find out why.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget proposal is the first salvo in what’s expected to be a busy upcoming legislative session, but LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s nothing more than a statement of intent until the Revenue Estimating Conference approves an economic forecast that includes increased revenue.

Cut 3 (11) “…produce.”

The increased projections are being blocked by House Speaker Taylor Barras.

The proposal includes a 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, along with a 500 dollar support personnel raise. Teachers have historically been a powerful interest group for the Democratic Governor, and Alford says if their pay raise gets stuck in partisan gridlock, expect educators to begin turning up the heat.

Cut 4 (07) “…things happen″

State teachers unions have indicated they may strike towards the end of this semester, or the beginning of the fall semester if their raise isn’t approved.

Alford says when you look at what areas are seeing funding increases, you realize this budget really is a campaign plank for the Governor who is up for reelection just six months after the session will likely end. In particular is Edwards’ promise of continuing to increase higher ed funding…

Cut 5 (05)“…bump.”

Alford says the budget is the largest in state history.

_________________________________________________

An Alexandria woman has been arrested accused trespassing in an abandoned home and simple burglary charges.  Capt. Tommy Carnline says the Rapides Parish deputies responded after the homeowner went to the home to clean and found the woman along with evidence she had been living on the property for quite some time.

Cut 6 (09) “…appliances and furniture”

The woman fled from the home.  Detectives began their investigation and identified 30-year-old Jerica Gros as the suspect.  Carnline says she’s since been located and arrested.

Cut 7 (12) “…worthless check warrant.”

Carnline says it is common for the homeless to squat in empty homes.  It’s estimated she had lived in the home since the beginning of January.

Cut 8 (11) “…could imagine that.”

_______________________

Gas prices have been on a noticeable rise throughout the state recently.  In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the rising trend has been happening all throughout the month of February.

Cut 9 (10) “…$2.13 a gallon.”

Redman says while the current prices may seem high, the average is still 20 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Cut 10 (07)“…gasoline prices.”

Redman says several contributing factors are to blame for the rise in prices, including the time of the year and supply and demand.

Cut 11 (11)   “…the higher prices..”

_______________________________

The Fire Marshal is asking for the public’s help IDing a suspect in a January 15^th Jonesborough suspected arson case that’s gone unsolved despite video of the person of interest. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a person wearing a light colored hoody and pants was seen leaving the scene just before a fire ignited in the kitchen of the home.

Cut 12 (10)   “…the fire.”

No one was injured in the incident.

Rodrigue says if you know who lit the fire, don’t approached them, and instead give the Marshals a call.

Cut 13 (11) “…seen” 

Governor John Bel Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget proposal is the first salvo in what’s expected to be a busy upcoming legislative session, and LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says when you look at what areas are seeing funding increases, you realize this budget really is a campaign plank for the Governor who is up for reelection just six months after the session will likely end. In particular is Edwards’ promise of continuing to increase higher ed funding…
Cut 5 (05)“…bump.”

Alford says the budget is the largest in state history.
Gas prices have been on a noticeable rise throughout the state recently. In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says while the current prices may seem high, the average is still 20 cents cheaper than this time last year.
Cut 10 (07)“…gasoline prices.”

Redman says several contributing factors are to blame for the rise in prices, including the time of the year and supply and demand.
An Alexandria woman has been arrested accused trespassing in an abandoned home and selling furniture and appliances from the residence. Capt. Tommy Carnline says the Rapides Parish deputies responded after the homeowner went to the home to clean and found the woman, at which point she fled. Detectives began their investigation and identified 30-year-old Jerica Gros as the suspect. Carnline says she’s since been located and arrested.
Cut 7 (12) “…worthless check warrant.”

It’s a controversial pick but southeast Louisiana filmed Green Book took home the Oscar for Best Picture last night. The film is about a black musician, pianist Don Shirley and his white chauffer in 1962. It was shot in New Orleans, Hammond, and a few other spots in the state, and joins 12 Years a Slave as the second best picture winner shot in Louisiana in the last ten years. New Orleans designer Hannah Beachler won best production design for her work on Black Panther.

LSU stays frozen in the polls at 13 after a disappointing loss against Florida last Wednesday was followed up with a statement making win over now 7^th ranked Tennessee on Saturday. The Tigers toppled the Vols 82-80 in home overtime thriller without even sporting their star guard Tremont Waters. LSU has now beaten two top ten programs, but Coach Will Wade says showing up for big games isn’t the Purple and Gold’s problem…

 cut 17 (25)   “the league” 

With four more regular season games left, 13th ranked LSU is in a three-way tie for first place in the Southeastern Conference, and The Vols and Wildcats will play each other on Saturday. LSU wraps up the season with three conference games against teams with losing records.

For the first time since 2014, LSU is off to a 7-0 start. The Tigers completed a three-game sweep of Bryant with a 4-3 victory over the Bulldogs on Sunday. Josh Smith and Zach Watson each had two hits, while Antoine Duplantis drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the sixth inning. Aaron George was the winning pitcher as he struck out three in relief and Todd Peterson had a six-out save.

Louisiana Tech split a Sunday doubleheader with Troy. The Bulldogs hit four home runs in an 11-4 victory over the Trojans. Taylor Young and Mason Mallard each had three hits, including a home run. Troy took Game two 7-5.

ULM also split a doubleheader with S-I-U Edwardsville, Sam Houston State defeated the Ragin Cajuns nine to two. Nicholls swept a doubleheader from Grambling, while Southern split a doubleheader from Northwestern State.

Texas State defeated McNeese five to three in eleven innings and Southeastern Louisiana shutout Stony Brook 8 to 0.
And in the NBA tonight, the Pelicans, who are coming off a win over the Lakers, are at the 76ers.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget proposal is the first salvo in what’s expected to be a busy upcoming legislative session.  The proposal includes a 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, along with a 500 dollar support personnel raise. Teachers have historically been a powerful interest group for the Democratic Governor, and LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says if their pay raise gets stuck in partisan gridlock, expect educators to begin turning up the heat.

Cut 4 (07) “…things happen″

Gas prices have been on a noticeable rise throughout the state recently.  In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the rising trend has been happening all throughout the month of February.

Cut 9 (10) “…$2.13 a gallon.”

An Alexandria woman has been arrested accused trespassing in an abandoned home and simple burglary charges.  Capt. Tommy Carnline says the Rapides Parish deputies responded after the homeowner went to the home to clean and found the woman along with evidence she had been living on the property for quite some time.

Cut 6 (09) “…appliances and furniture”

A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from an altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…

Cut 7 (11) “…the area”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget proposal is the first salvo in what’s expected to be a busy upcomming legislative session, but LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s nothing more than a statement of intent until the Revenue Estimating Committee approves an economic forecast that includes increased revenue.
Cut 3, 11 seconds, can produce
The increased projections are being blocked by House Speaker Taylor Barras.
LSU is in a three-way tie for first place in the SEC after the thrilling 82-80 overtime win over 5th ranked Tennessee on Saturday. The team was down some major players, but Coach Will Wade had faith…
Cut 18 (18) different times”
___________________________________
Gas prices are on the rise in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart talks with AAA fuel analyst Don Redman to find out why.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the rising trend has been happening all throughout the month of February.
Cut 9 (10) “…$2.13 a gallon.”

A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron, and during that struggle, 37-year-old Louis Barnes disarmed the security guard, and began firing.

Cut 8 (12) “…expired.”

Barnes served two years in jail for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile related to a 15 year old in 2015.
A New Orleans Senator has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax. Last year, legislation promoting equal pay for women failed to cross the finish line in a bitterly divided session, but Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it would be foolish to oppose this proposal in an election year…

Cut 12 (13) “…small cost”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on the levees along the lower Mississippi River. New Orleans district Corps Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says high water levels have arrived earlier than expected, because of rainfall flowing down from the Midwest…

Cut 4 (07) “…Louisiana.”

A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from a altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…

Cut 7 (11) “…the area”
Willie’s reportedly attempted to remove 37-year-old Louis Barnes for selling drug on the premises.

A New Orleans Senator has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax. Currently food, residential utilities, and prescription drugs are exempted, and Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says diapers and feminine products are no less mandatory to everyday life for a majority of the population.

Cut 10 (08) “…sales tax.”

That Senator is JP Morrell.

Earl, the llama that was shot three times by its owner last week, continues to recover from his injuries.  He was at LSU’s vet clinic, but recently returned to the St. Landry Animal Control facility.  Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman McKnight says Earl still has a long way to go.

Cut 13 (09) “…keep him comfortable.”

Bullets are lodged in the animal’s neck, shoulder, and abdomen, causing a fractured rib.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on the levees along the lower Mississippi River. New Orleans district Corps Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says high water levels have arrived earlier than expected, because of rainfall flowing down from the Midwest. If the spillway is opened, it would be the third time in four years despite only being activated 13 times since 1931. Boyett says the Corps of Engineers will investigate why we are seeing high Mississippi River levels more often…
Cut 6 (06) “…consider.”
A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from a altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…
Willie’s reportedly attempted to remove 37-year-old Louis Barnes for selling drug on the premises.
Barnes, a registered sex offender, is facing Second Degree Murder, and Attempted Second Degree Murder charges for the incident. Ferguson says after Barnes disarmed the security guard, he began firing.
Barnes served two years in jail for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile related to a 15 year old in 2015.
Ferguson says they’ve made several arrest and seized seven guns on Bourbon Street since Friday night. He says there’s a cop on every block of the famous street, and is asking the public to leave their pieces at home for Carnival.
Cut 9 (12) “…responsible″
A New Orleans Senator has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session that would exempt feminine products and diapers from the state sales tax. Currently food, residential utilities, and prescription drugs are exempted, and Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says diapers and feminine products are no less mandatory to everyday life for a majority of the population.
Last year, legislation promoting equal pay for women failed to cross the finish line in a bitterly divided session, but Moller says this type of legislation is noticeably different, and anyone who votes against it could face a rebuke just half a year later at the ballot box.
Cut 12 (13) “…small cost
Earl, the llama that was shot three times by its owner last week, continues to recover from his injuries. He was at LSU’s vet clinic, but recently returned to the St. Landry Animal Control facility. Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman McKnight says Earl still has a long way to go.
Bullets are lodged in the animal’s neck, shoulder, and abdomen, causing a fractured rib.

Should diapers and feminine products be exempted from the state sales tax? Lawmakers will have to answer that question in the upcoming session. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may open the Bonnet Carrie Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Wednesday to relieve pressure on the levees along the lower Mississippi River. New Orleans district Corps Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says high water levels have arrived earlier than expected, because of rainfall flowing down from the Midwest…
Boyett says when gates are opened on the Spillway, water from the Mississippi River is diverted into Lake Pontchartrain at 250,000 feet per second…
Cut 5 (12) “…contributing.”
A 36-year-old New Orleans nurse was shot dead on Bourbon Street in the early Sunday morning hours. Julie Couvillion was an innocent bystander who was struck by bullets originating from a altercation at Willie’s Chicken Shack. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says the shooting began when a security guard attempted to remove an uncooperative patron…
Barnes, a registered sex offender, is facing Second Degree Murder, and Attempted Second Degree Murder charges for the incident. Ferguson says after Barnes disarmed the security guard, he began firing wantonly…
Cut 8 (12) “…expired.”
Earl, the llama that was shot three times by its owner last week, continues to recover from his injuries. He was at LSU’s vet clinic, but recently returned to the St. Landry Animal Control facility. Animal Control Director Stacey Alleman McKnight says Earl still has a long way to go.
Bullets are lodged in the animal’s neck, shoulder, and abdomen, causing a fractured rib.
Authorities say Earl was shot by his owner, 67 year old Madeline Bourgeois of Opelousas ,after she says her pet llama attacked her. McKnight says it appears Earl is of good temperament.
Cut 14 (10) “…he’s done that.”