We’re on our way to being one of the top states in the country when it comes to computer science graduate production. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Comprehensive Water Distribution System Replacement Project” in the Town of St. Joseph. The new system will include the installation of town-wide new water lines, electronic water meters, and new fire hydrants.

University leaders say their college campuses are crumbling due to lack of funding for proper repair. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson who says deferred maintenance costs have reached about $365 million dollars. He says what would be a small issue today can become a major problem down the road if you don’t address it…:
Cut 11 (09) “energy efficient”
He says Louisiana is the 16th lowest funded state for higher ed out of the 16 southern region states.

48 teams will compete in the LHSAA boy’s basketball tournament in Lake Charles starting today. It’s 20 more teams than in the past since the select/non-select split was implemented for playoffs. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau is hoping for a good turnout for all the extra games…
Cut 14 (09) “their team”
12 state titles are up for grabs now compared to the previous 7.

We’re on track to become one of the top states for computer science graduates. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says by using a digital media incentive, Louisiana was able to attract major players in the IT business…:
Cut 4 (12) “bossier area”
Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com is a way to connect graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain will continue his push for trade with Cuba today before the Baton Rouge Press Club. He says the stock market is going up, but not commodity prices, and leaders need to realize the importance of rural economies..:
CUT 8 (09) “industries”
He says Louisiana agriculture stands to benefit about half a billion dollars in trade with Cuba.

College campuses in Louisiana are deteriorating, according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an officer involved shooting in Marrero. They say a deputy got into a struggle with Deshawn Hovis after the suspect refused to stop his vehicle, and the deputy fell partially under the car. Deputy Justine Campora then shot Hovis in the cheek, according to authorities. Hovis will be charged with one count of attempted first degree murder when he is released from the hospital.

Congressman Cedric Richmond has issued an apology to White House aid Kellyanne Conway over a comment he made about a photo of her kneeling on a sofa. Some felt the statement about the position looking familiar was sexist. The New Orleans US Representative said he’s been a champion for women’s issues and, in a statement, apologized to Conway and those who found the comment offensive.

College campuses in Louisiana are falling apart because of continued budget cuts to higher education. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson, who says deferred maintenance at campuses has reached about $365 million, and that number keeps growing annually…:
Cut 10 (10) “short term decision”
He says these problems will become big ones if they aren’t addressed soon.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will speak before the Baton Rouge Press Club today and continue his push for resuming trade with Cuba. Strain spoke at the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction and said next year the island nation is going to buy two billion dollars worth of food products from somebody…:
Cut 7 (10) “500 million dollars”
He says rural economies are important and hopes leaders recognize that.

Beginning today, 48 teams vying for 12 state titles are in southwest Louisiana for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament. Before the split playoffs between select and non-select schools, 28 teams competed for 7 titles. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games..:
Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”

A ceremony in New Orleans today will honor the nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard deploying to Europe. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says they’re sending 270 airmen and 12 F-15 fighter jets to the European Command.

Cut 9 (12) “in Europe”

The airmen will participate in critical training exercises during the 90 day deployment.

Archers from 45 Louisiana schools are competing for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship today in Shreveport at the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament. Jan McGovern with LDWF says the scholarship is for any post-secondary education.

Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

The winner of the competition will move on to the national championship.

More sexual misconduct charges have been filed against the former Neville High School choir director. 25-year-old Christian Amos of Monroe was arrested for allegedly giving pot to students at his apartment and soliciting sexual favors from them. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again.

Cut 3 (09) “suspended”

Amos resigned from Neville High School in January without explanation.

Warmer winter weather has led to a spike in the mosquito population in Louisiana. LSU Entomology Professor Kristen Healy says temperature plays into mosquito development. She says the insects are more active when the weather is warmer, but rain is also factor.

Cut 12 (06) “for them”

Healy says this means there is also an increased risk for contracting mosquito borne illnesses.

A ceremony will be held in New Orleans today to honor the nearly 300 Louisiana National Guard airmen deploying to Europe. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says this is a chance for the airmen to bid farewell to their families and for LANG to honor their service.

Cut 11 (11) “this mission”

The ceremony at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base begins at 2pm.

Archers from schools around the state are competing in Shreveport today in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament. Jan McGovern with LDWF says the program has grown rapidly in public schools since it came to Louisiana in 2012.

Cut 8 (06) “curriculum”

The winner of the competition will walk away with a $20-thousand scholarship.

The mosquito population is Louisiana has exploded with a warmer winter than usual. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Baton Rouge woman has been arrested after police say she let her 15-year-old son and his friend hide a stolen Mercedes and golf cart in her garage. Authorities say they executed a search warrant at the home of 38-year-old Erica Bergeron, and that’s when they found the stolen Mercedes and a golf cart, which was later determined to be stolen as well. Bergeron is booked on charges of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and accessory after the fact.

A former Monroe choir teacher is facing additional charges after allegations surfaced he was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. 25-year-old Christian Amos allegedly gave pot to students and possibly enticing them to have sex with him. BESE Representative Gary Jones says these acts Amos is accused of are outrageous.

Cut 4 (08) “about it”
Amos resigned as the Neville High School choir director in January without explanation.

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”

He says demonstrating the United States’ commitment to NATO is a national priority.

The mild winter has led to an uptick in Louisiana’s mosquito population. LSU entomology professor Dr. Kristen Healy says the warmer the temperature, the faster mosquitoes tend to develop. She recommends reducing standing water in your backyard.

Cut 14 (09) “trashcans”

She also advises people to wear EPA approved mosquito repellant.

Over one thousand archers from 45 Louisiana schools will compete in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament today in Shreveport. Jan McGovern with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ALAS program teaches archery skills to kids in 3rd to 12th grade and gives students a lifelong skill and allows them to participate in a team sport.

Cut 7 (10) “other classes”
The students will compete for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship.

The budget bill that was passed during the special session has been signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The governor says they knew closing a $304 million shortfall would be challenging, but lawmakers found a solution that did not adversely impact higher education, public schools, hospitals, or the department of children and family services.

A ceremony is being held in New Orleans on Saturday to honor the hundreds of Louisiana National Guard airmen deploying to Europe. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A former-Neville high school choir teacher is facing additional charges 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) “kinds of things”
Amos’ charges include prohibited sexual conduct between a student and educator and distribution of marijuana.

A warmer than usual winter has led to an explosion in Louisiana’s mosquito population. LSU Assistant Professor of Entomology Kristen Healy says that means there’s also an increased risk for contracting mosquito borne illnesses.

Cut 13 (10) “development”

Healy advises everyone to protect themselves with EPA approved repellents.

More sexual misconduct charges have been filed against a former Monroe choir director. 25-year-old Christian Amos was arrested for allegedly giving marijuana to students at his home and offering them sexual favors. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again.

Cut 3 (09) “suspended”

Amos resigned from Neville High School in January.

A ceremony will be held in New Orleans tomorrow to honor the nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard deploying to Europe. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says they’re sending 270 airmen and 12 F-15 fighter jets to the European Command.

Cut 9 (12) “in Europe”

Hasenkampf says demonstrating the United States’ commitment to NATO is a national priority.

The mosquito population has exploded in Louisiana after a mild winter. LSU Assistant Professor of Entomology Kristen Healy says temperature plays 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 mosquitos.

Cut 12 (06) “for them”

Healy says with the increased mosquito population, there is also an increased risk for contacting mosquito borne illnesses.

Over one thousand archers from 45 Louisiana schools will compete for a $20-thousand scholarship in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament tomorrow in Shreveport. Jan McGovern with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the scholarship is for any post-secondary education.

Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

The winner of the competition will move on to the national championship.