A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state is under the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds..:
Cut 7 (11) “south”
He says Sunday looks to be the pick day of the weekend with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid 80s.

Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says the sale price of $275 million for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March….:
Cut 4 (08) “last year”
He says a lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies.

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint…:
Cut 10 (12) “Abita Springs”
He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

It’s the final day in a career that has lasted 37 years. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson is retiring. Maj. Kevin Reeves, who commands a state police quick reaction force, will start the interim job Saturday.

Lt. Shawn Anderson, the fallen East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy, has been laid to rest. His wife Becky Anderson told mourners about the day they met and how the Lieutenant loved his job and coworkers.

Cut 15 (11) “brothers in SWAT”

Anderson was fatally shot last Saturday while investigating a reported rape.

A wounded Crowley police officer is back home after being treated for a gunshot wound he incurred responding to a call where 41-year-old Katina Stevens was reportedly found dead at the scene. A suspect later died after exchanging gunfire with the officer, killing his K9. Master Trooper Brooks David with State Police says it’s a tragedy the dog was killed.

Cut 5 (05) “his partner”

Licenses have been revoked and funding terminated for Kidzone Preschool in Mandeville after a toddler wandered out of the play yard and into traffic. The child was walking toward the highway when a concerned driver picked him up and took him back to the day care. No one at the learning center knew the 3-year-old was missing until the driver brought him back.

The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the resignation comes ahead of the city council meeting where the allegations against the officer would be discussed.

Cut 9 (10) “be necessary”

The noose was discovered on February 24, and the sergeant was later suspended for three days without pay.

A trade association representing the oil industry says there’s an increased interest in Gulf oil drilling. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The first town in Louisiana to commit to 100 percent renewable energy is Abita Springs. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. A lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says the sale price of $275 million for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March.

Cut 4  (08) “last year”

Oil prices are seeing a slow uptick, as oil is trading at just over $48 a barrel in the US. But John says that’s not the only factor in the industry. He says a lot plays into the increased sense of optimism among oil and gas companies.

Cut 5  (08)  “to roll back”

Coastal cities in Louisiana have seen job loss as a result of the slowdown in drilling. But John hopes to see more job creation as these projects get up and running in the Gulf. He says one new job in the industry can cause a ripple effect for more hires.

Cut 6 (11) “are created”

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A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state is under the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds.

Cut 7 (11)  “south”

Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeastern Louisiana on Saturday.

Cut 8 (10) “on it”

Keim says the front is relatively slow moving but it won’t bring much cold air with it.

Cut 9 (08)  “like that”

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Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint.

Cut 10 (12) “Abita Springs”

Lemons says achieving this goal is like eating an elephant, you take one bite at a time. He says one of the first steps the city has taken is replacing old lighting in the Town Hall with low energy lights and replacing old window seals and insulations to cut energy costs by 20 percent. But he says they have a long way to go.

Cut 11 (10) “list stations”

Lemons says they’re also looking at installing electric vehicle charges in town. He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. He says they’re trying to achieve a balance of environmental ethics and good business.

Cut 12 (12) “best we can”

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There is no delay in plans to move forward with the construction of a four lane bridge and converting the current Jimmie Davis Bridge into a pedestrian cross over in Shreveport and Bossier City.  That’s the word from DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett who says there was some confusion, as the original proposal was to rehab the original bridge.

Cut 13 (11) “lane bridge”

The new bridge will be constructed to the north of the pedestrian bridge. Mallett says they are in the process of undergoing an environmental assessment and creating new designs for both bridges. He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed.

Cut 14 (09) “maintain it”

The old Jimmie Davis Bridge that will be converted into a pedestrian walkway will connect the Clyde Fant Parkway to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. Mallett says a date for construction to begin on both structures has not been set because public meetings have yet to be scheduled to get community input.

Cut 15 (09) “public meetings”

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The 4th ranked LSU Baseball team begins a three-game series against Florida tonight in Gainesville. The Tigers swept Georgia last weekend to begin SEC play, while the 11th ranked Gators were swept by Auburn. Junior right-hander Alex Lange starts on the mound tonight for LSU and knows Florida will be ready to play tonight…

Cut 16 (14) “they got”

The last time LSU went to Gainesville, Florida swpet the Tigers in a three-game series in 2014. Lange says it’s never easy playing on the road in the Southeastern Conference…

Cut 17 (18)  “to it”

The pitching match-up for tonight is Lange versus Florida right-hander Alex Faedo. Both are considered top prospects in this year’s Major League Baseball draft. LSU right fielder Greg Deichmann says runs will probably be at a premium tonight…

Cut 18 (09)      “…be a blowout“

Fallen East Baton Rouge Deputy Lt. Shawn Anderson has been laid to rest. Mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes, and his wife Becky Anderson spoke about his love for his two children, but says the family will do their best to carry on without him.

Cut 16 (08) “some rain”

Anderson was fatally shot last Saturday while confronting a rape suspect in Baton Rouge.

The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the department’s squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the February 24 incident, and it will be up to the DA to decide whether or not to file criminal charges.

Cut 10 (11) “of people”

One of the victims in the Crowley shooting has been identified as 41-year-old Katina Stevens. Her cousin, Johnathan LaFleur, told the Advocate he and some friends were watching the news at Stevens house when a man knocked on the door and shot her. That’s when police showed up and exchanged fire, resulting in the death of the suspect and a police K9 and wounding one of the officers. The officer has been released from the hospital after being treated for a gunshot wound to the thigh.

Louisiana is seeing more people move out than in, according to the latest census data. Demographer Greg Rigamer says more people left New Orleans for other cities for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. He blames the lack of high paying jobs.

Cut 7 (09) “people want”

He says East Baton Rouge Parish remains the largest in the state with nearly 450-thousand residents.

Lt. Shawn Anderson, the fallen East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy, is being taken to his final resting place. During his eulogy, his wife Becky Anderson talked about the day they met and how the Lieutenant loved his job and coworkers.

Cut 15 (11) “brothers in SWAT”

Anderson was investigating a reported rape when he was fatally shot by the suspect Brandon Wiley, who was also killed in the shootout.

A Crowley police officer has been released from the hospital after he was wounded responding a call of shots fired. A woman was reportedly found dead at the scene, and a suspect died after exchanging gunfire with the officer, killing his K9. Master Trooper Brooks David with State Police says it’s a tragedy the dog was killed.

Cut 5 (05) “his partner”

The latest census data finds Louisiana is showing a pattern of out migration with 12-thousand more people leaving the state than coming in. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A learning center in St. Tammany Parish has had their licenses revoked and public funding terminated after a toddler escaped the play yard and wandered into traffic. The child got three blocks away from Kidzone Preschool in Mandeville before a concerned driver took him back to the day care. Until that moment, no one at the center knew the 3-year-old was missing.

Services for slain East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Shawn Anderson is being held in Baton Rouge at this hour, and a massive procession in his honor will follow. Anderson was shot and killed while conducting an investigation at a barber shop last weekend. He will be laid to rest following the funeral in Pine Grove, Louisiana.

Maj. Kevin Reeves has been named interim superintendent of Louisiana State Police. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

New census numbers find Louisiana’s population was 4.6 million residents in 2016, only growing but 0.3-percent from the previous year. Data also shows more people left New Orleans for other cities around the country than moved in for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the Crescent City continues to lack high paying jobs…:
Cut 7 (09) “people want”
Rigamer says East Parish Rouge Parish remains the largest in the state with 447-thousand people.

Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating two break ins this morning at Tioga High School and Jr. High where extensive damage was done to school property. Capt. Tommy Carnline with the Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a call at around 5:15 this morning when a janitor reported the destruction…:
Cut 12 (10) “were destroyed”
Carnline says they are following up on leads but no arrests have been made at this time.

A K-9 police dog and three people are dead in a Crowley officer-involved shooting. Master Trooper Brooks David says two females were found deceased and the suspect died also died. He says they are investigating what exactly happened…:
Cut 4 (07) “Crowley PD”
Identifications are not being released at this time. The officer who was shot is in stable condition.

The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the resignation comes ahead of the city council meeting where the allegations against the officer would be discussed…:
Cut 9 (10) “be necessary”
He says this resignation was best for the department. The noose was found last week with a cookie tied to it.

The latest census data finds Louisiana is showing a pattern of out migration with 12-thousand more people leaving the state than coming in. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three people and a police K9 are dead following an officer involved shooting in Crowley that also left the officer wounded. Master Trooper Brooks David says they received a call that an officer was shot around 10:30 last night. He says when troopers arrived, it was a gruesome scene:
Cut 3 (10) “and killed”
He says Crowley cops arrived they found one woman dead then another female was later located deceased. The suspect allegedly shot the K9 then was fatally shot by cops. The human officer hit is in stable condition.

A pre-filed bill would require traffic stop etiquette training in driver’s ed. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says it would be a good idea for motorists to learn how they should act when pulled over…:
CUT 25 (08) “students”

New census numbers find Louisiana’s population was 4.6 million in 2016, only growing 0.3-percent from the previous year. The state also saw a continuing pattern of out migration with nearly 12-thousand more people moving out of the state than coming in. Demographer Greg Rigamer says many citizens leave to follow the money…:
Cut 6 (10) “with that”
Data also shows more people left New Orleans for other cities around the country than moved in for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

The Baton Rouge man accused of killing and dismembering his parents has been indicted by a grand jury in Knoxville. 28-year-old Joel Guy Jr is accused of murdering his mom and dad then trying to dissolve the bodies in acid during a Thanksgiving visit in Tennessee last year. He will be tried there on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of abusing a corpse, and one count felony murder.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces Maj. Kevin Reeves will act as interim superintendent of Louisiana State Police after Col Mike Edmonson retires tomorrow. Reeves said he would stay on as the permanent guy for the job if the governor asked him too. He says it’s an honor to serve as interim:
CUT 12 (09) “had in me”
Edmonson’s retirement comes amid multiple ongoing investigations into the department’s travel spending after troopers made taxpayer funded side trips on their way to a training conference. Reeves says he looks forward to addressing these issues.

The defense is presenting its case today in the Derrick Stafford trial.
He’s one of the two city marshals charged with the murder of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis. The prosecution wrapped up Wednesday after a witness told jurors that three of the four bullets in the boy’s body came from Stafford’s issued gun. The fourth bullet could not be identified.

Governor John Bel Edwards and the CEO of Monster Moto, Alex Keechle, on Wednesday toured and saluted the company’s new facility in Ruston where it produces minibikes, go-carts and other vehicles. Keechle says Louisiana Tech engineering seniors are helping them design new testing models. He says the university has been a huge benefit to the company..:
Cut 15 (09) “north Louisiana”

A 10 year old girl in north Louisiana is making big waves on a national level with her Bear Share initiative which donates stuffed animals to law enforcement. The toys are then given to children in traumatic situations where cops respond. Julianna Gouthiere (Go-thee-ay) donated 150 stuffed animals to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Bill Davis…:
Cut 8 (11) “those children”
To learn more about Julianna’s Bear Share visit her website at GeauxShowLove.org.

The man tapped to take over as head of state police, at least on a temporary basis, says he hopes the travel scandal under Col Mike Edmonson doesn’t cast a shadow over the incredible work troopers’ do everyday..:
Cut 11 (08) “these issues”
That’s Major Kevin Reeves who will serve as interim superintendent of State Police when Edmonson retires tomorrow.

Officers have a certain protocol they have to follow during a traffic stop, and there’s an expectation of motorists behavior as well — so a state lawmaker wants that etiquette to be taught in drivers ed…:
Cut 5 (11) “them respect”
Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti has pre-filed a bill in the upcoming session that would require traffic stop etiquette training for drivers.

The Walker Police officer who placed a noose inside the squad room of the department has resigned. The high-ranking sergeant was slated to face disciplinary action in a meeting on Wednesday, but it was cancelled after he decided to step down. The noose was found last week with a cookie tied to it.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office gets a special donation from a little girl with a big heart. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”