12:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

A survey by Accountemps finds six in ten employees believe stress in the workplace has increased over the last five years. Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans, says technology has put more of a burden on workers…:
Cut 6 (07) “at least”
The study also found that 55-percent of those surveyed say worker anxiety is on the rise.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office believes an unattended pot left on a stove top led to a fatal fire at a Baton Rouge apartment complex that killed a 5-year-old girl. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says they believe an 18-year-old was caring for her young sister when the apartment filled with smoke from the pot…:
Cut 9 (12) “upstairs bedroom”
He says hours later the body of 5-year-old Treasure Garner was located.

It’s been a great national signing day for LSU, and as expected it looks like they are going to have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:
cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”
Worsham says LSU’s 2017 recruiting class has a chance at easily finishing in the top 5.

The state Office of Community Development has again scheduled a series of public meetings for Louisiana’s regions that were impacted by the historic 2016 floods. They begin Friday in Lafayette Parish.

 

11:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

President Donald Trump has nominated federal appeals judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is disappointed Democrats started voicing their concerns, before they knew who the nominee would be..:
Cut 13 (11) “gonna be”
Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond said President Trump has nominated a judge that is hostile to women’s rights and lenient on police brutality.

A Bossier City couple is behind bars after police say their children tested positive for drugs. Mark Natale with Bossier Police says Child Protective Services launched an investigation involving 35-year-old Shannon Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake. He says all five of the couple’s children, age 6 months to 10 years…:
Cut 3 (08) “their systems”
Natale says both of the parents have been charged with five counts of cruelty to a juvenile.

The name of the 5-year-old who perished in a two alarm fire in Baton Rouge last night has been released. Officials say Treasure Garner died in a blaze after her family lost her in the shuffle of escaping the massive fire. The exact cause of the fire, that also caused minor injuries to four other people, remains under investigation.

The Tax Foundation released data on which state imposes the highest combined state and local sales taxes and Louisiana comes in first at 9.98-percent. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

10:30 Newscast February 1,2017

Most of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation supports President Donald Trump nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Many Democrats say they will try to block the nominee from U.S. Senate confirmation. But Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana says Gosuch is more than qualified. Meanwhile on the House side, he says lawmakers are set to pass bills to bring jobs back to America.
Cut 15 (12) “moving again.”

The Tax Foundation reports Louisiana ranks number one for the highest state and local combined sales tax rate at 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says it’s okay for states to have a high rate if it’s managed well and residents can afford it but that isn’t the case in the Bayou State.
Cut 7 (10) “of complexity”

 

The St. Tammany Parish group, Operation We Care, shipped 300 red, white and blue king cakes to U.S. troops overseas to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith says the names of the soldiers who receive a cake is gathered by Louisianans so most who get a cake are from the state but anyone from anywhere can get one.
Cut 11 (10) “like that”

The group has been sending soldiers king cakes from Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery for 14 years.

14 people have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt Tommy Carnline says this big burglary ring broke into at least six locations where a variety of items were stolen, including body armor.
Cut 5 (10) “into cash”

09:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

Republicans and Democrats are extremely divided in Washington D.C., the latest over President Trumps nominee for Supreme Court justice: federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch. Senate Democrats have already been slow to confirm many of Mr. Trump’s picks for cabinet secretaries. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says this is getting ridiculous..:
cut 14 (06) “to do”

The Tax Foundation releases data on what each state imposes when it comes to state and local sales taxes, and Louisiana leads the nation with a rate of 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says Louisiana’s tax structure is far too complex..:
Cut 9 (10) “this point”
Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Washington are ranked behind Louisiana in the top five.

14 individuals have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Tommy Carnline says some of these burglaries started back in the fall, but the bigger break ins took place in January…:
Cut 6 (09) “recover them”
He sys the suspects where part of a huge burglary ring.

It’s national signing day and LSU has already gotten some big names and hope to get more to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

08:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

Louisiana has the highest average sales tax rate at 9.98 percent according to the Tax Foundation, and some say it’s time for a change. It’s the highest of the 45 states surveyed. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says the state’s range is so high because what the tax applies to is so narrow…:
Cut 8 (11) “everything else”
The report analyzed state rates and average local rates in states where cities and parishes or counties can levy an additional sales tax of their own.

Police in Bossier City have arrested a couple on criminal charges after their children tested positive for illegal drugs. 35-year-old Michael Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake of Bossier City were booked on multiple counts of cruelty to juveniles. The two had five kids aged 6 months to 10 years and officials say they tested positive for pot and cocaine.

Operation We Care has shipped 300 king cakes overseas to soldiers..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

It’s National Signing Day and LSU has already landed a huge commitment from Georgia four-star linebacker Tyler Taylor. The Tigers were already able to flip All-American Jacob Phillips from Oklahoma and Sonny Shipp with Geaux 24-7 says the four-star linebacker will be vital to LSU:
Cut 18 (10) “beef inside”
Jacobs and Taylor join Patrick Queen in the linebacker group for LSU.

 

07:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

Louisiana leaders are reacting to President Donald Trump’s appointment of Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says Judge Gorsuch is an intelligent conservative. While Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond said President Trump has nominated a judge that is hostile to women’s rights and lenient on police brutality.

The Tax Foundation released data on which state imposes the highest combined state and local sales taxes and Louisiana comes in first at 9.98-percent. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

Operation We Care and Rondazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in Slidell are packing and shipping 300 king cakes to US troops serving in Iraq. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith says they’ve been doing this for 14 years through donations and it’s just a small way to thank those serving our country…:
CUT 12 (09) “for us”
These king cakes are red white and blue instead of traditional Mardi Gras colors.

14 individuals have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Tommy Carnline says each time a search warrant was conducted, it led detectives to find more information or the recovery of stolen property. He says the suspects were part of what seems to be a huge burglary ring:
cut 4 (09) “big ring”
Carnline says three additional suspects are still wanted.

 

06:45 Sportscast, February 1st, 2017

LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Neville’s four star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis ended weeks of speculation by committing to Alabama on Tuesday. The national champion runner-up Crimson Tide won out over LSU and a late push from TCU. Mathis is the fourth-ranked player in the state of Louisiana and the 10th-ranked defensive tackle prospect in the country.

The Saints made it official yesterday by announcing that the club has hired Mike Nolan as linebackers coach and Bradford Banta as special teams coordinator. Nolan served as the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 to 2008. Banta is a Baton Rouge native and spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a long snapper. For the last three seasons, he was the assistant special teams coach for the Redskins.

In the NBA, the Raptors rallied last night to beat the Pelicans 108-106 in overtime on the road. Jrue Holiday scored 30 points for the Pels and Anthony Davis added 18. It’s the second loss in a row for New Orleans who take on the Pistons tonight.

A struggling LSU basketball team begins a big week tonight against NO. 19 South Carolina in the PMAC. The Tigers, who are 1-7 in the SEC, must also face Kentucky this week and Texas A&M.

Southeastern will look to end a two-game losing streak today as the Lions host Southland Conference rival Nicholls. The Colonels snapped a two-game losing streak of its own with a 78-74 win over McNeese on Saturday.

Also today, UNO is at Albeline Christian.

Last night, Tulane fell to Temple 79-71.

 

06:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2017

President Donald Trump nominates federal appellate judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. Several Democrats have said they will try and block Trump’s nominee from U.S. Senate confirmation. Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is disappointed Democrats started voicing their concerns, before they knew who the nominee would be..:
Cut 13 (11) “gonna be”
Gorsuch fills the vacancy created by the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

A 5-year-old girl has died in a two alarm fire Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge, according to the BRPD Fire Department. They said the blaze happened around 7, and the girl was reported missing by family members who lost her while trying to escape. Officials discovered her body hours later. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

The Tax Foundation releases data on what each state imposes when it comes to state and local sales taxes, and Louisiana leads the nation with a rate of 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says the state’s high rate is also very complicated…:
CUT 7 (10) “of complexity”
Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Washington are ranked behind Louisiana in the top five.

The group, Operation We Care out of St. Tammany Parish, has shipped 300 red, white and blue king cakes to U.S. soldiers overseas to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith..:
CUT 10 (10) “very happy”
She says these cakes were specially made by Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in Slidell for the troops.

 

18:30 Newscast January 31,2017

Several Republican lawmakers have voiced their opposition to using money from the Rainy Day Fund to solve a 304 million dollar budget shortfall and there is at least one democrat who supports that, as well. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver says revenue will begin to increase soon as the state’s economy is improving as a result of rising oil prices.
cut 10 (10) “…experts says”

Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016 and it shows a significant increase. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 104 cases of human trafficking were called in last year, compared to 75 in 2015. State Police Col Mike Edmonson credits a strong awareness campaign…:
cut 12 (09) “listen to us”

 
Although many main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls show quite a bit of support for the executive order. A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans.
Cut 3 (09) “the policy”

Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on a new power plant that the company says will save customers one-point-three-billion dollars over the next 30 years, because it will be able to more efficiently produce electricity. Spokesperson Michael Burns says the power station will also produce jobs…
cut 7 (10) “….the plant”

Burns says they expect the plant to begin running in 2019.

17:30 Newscast January 31,2017

Many Republican state lawmakers do not want to use the Rainy Day Fund to solve the 304 million dollar budget deficit and there is also a Democrat opposed to it, as well. Jeff Palermo has more…
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is currently in France promoting tourism to Louisiana. Nungesser is scheduled to return back to the states on Thursday after visiting Lyon, France. The Lt. Governor says we’ve seen a 37-percent increase in international visitation, as overseas visitors are spending more money and staying longer in Louisiana. The cost of the trip has not been released.

 

There’s been a lot of criticism on social media and nightly news shows over President Donald Trump’s immigration order. But there are public opinion polls, including one from Rasmussen that finds strong public support for the travel ban. But LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says Rasmusson surveys tend to support conservative candidates and issues…
cut 5 (05) “…policies’

Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on an 869-million dollar power plant in St. Charles Parish. Michael Burns with Entergy says this new power station will be one of the cleanest and most efficient..:
Cut 6 (10) “for customers”

Burns says the plant will begin operations in June of 2019.