Governor John Bel Edwards said in his address to the state last night that crucial services are facing major cuts if lawmakers don’t agree to raise taxes. The Administration released a new estimate of the state’s budget deficit to about $950 million dollars. Edwards says he is proposing significant cuts to the budget, but it will also take from the legislature to raise revenue in order to stabilize the budget…:
Cut 8 (09) “state strong”
Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy called for more cuts and accused Edwards of using scare tactics.

The state office of financial assistance said Thursday that it was suspending TOPS payments effective immediately. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he can’t see how the state doesn’t fulfill it’s promise that they would pay a student’s full tuition if they reached certain academic achievements…:
Cut 16 (08) “more explanation“

The state’s flu bug expert says Louisiana is in the middle of one of its slowest flu seasons ever. Emelie Gunn has the story…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Louisiana National Guard spokesman Col Pete Schneider says it will take about 4 days to get the massive structure installed…:
cut 4 (10) “operating”

Governor John Bel Edwards says colleges and hospitals will close and critical healthcare services will be eliminated if the state legislature does not approve higher taxes to help close a $940 million budget deficit this fiscal year. Edwards made the comments during a special address that was aired on TV and radio stations…:
CUT 7 (12) “as well”
After Edwards spoke, State Treasurer John Kennedy provided the Republican Party’s response. Kennedy says raising revenue is not the answer to the state’s budget problems…:
Cut 9 (07) “run deficits”
A special session to address the budget is scheduled to start on Sunday.

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance has notified colleges and universities that due to uncertainty over potential budget cuts they are holding off on making any TOPS payments. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it would be a huge disaster for Louisiana if it’s unable to pay a TOPS recipients full tuition for this semester…:
Cut 14 (08) “being taken away”
A spokesperson for the office of student financial assistance says the suspension of TOPS payments to public colleges is just a precautionary measure.

Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Louisiana National Guard spokesman Col Pete Schneider says they expect it will take about 30-35 days to make sure everything is working properly…:
Cut 5 (04) “of the M6”
He says it will take about 4 days to get the massive structure installed.

In a special televised address, Governor John Bel Edwards said unless the legislature approves tax increases, colleges and hospitals will close. Halen Doughty reports…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke to a reported 10,000 people during a rally Thursday night in Baton Rouge. Trump opened his comments claiming that 5,000 more were outside waiting to get into the River Center. Louisiana’s presidential primary will be held March 5th.

Louisiana is experiencing one of its slowest flu seasons in several years. That’s according to Dr. Frank Welch, an influenza expert with the state Department of Health and Hospitals…:
cut 11 (09) “flu-like illness”
He credits the warmer than normal winter.

All TOPS payments were stopped effectively immediately Thursday due to the state’s budget crisis. Universities were notified by email about the suspension of students’ award money saying more details would be provided as information becomes available.

Louisiana based GLO airlines announces its adding seasonal nonstop flights from New Orleans to Destin. The service will be offered beginning March 25th.

State Health Officials are investigating two possible Zika cases in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch, with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, says officials discovered these cases after the patients complained to their doctors about feeling sick after visiting the Caribbean. Welch says right now, Louisiana residents shouldn’t be worried about getting the Zika Virus, because local transmission is very unlikely at this time….

CUT 4 (08)  “right now”

Louisiana is in some serious financial trouble right now, but analysts say we aren’t the first or last state to see issues like this. Political pollster Ron Faucheux says many states have improved their fiscal situation since the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009. Faucheux says, unlike Louisiana, other states struggle when gas prices are high…:

CUT 7 (11) “after the hurricane”

Edwards will speak to the public tonight in a special televised address at 6:30.

Researchers in Louisiana played a role in detecting gravitational waves, which Albert Einstein predicted would happen as part of his general theory of relativity. LSU astronomy professor, Gabriela Gonzalez, says their Livingston Parish observatory observed the ripples in the fabric of spacetime on September 14th. She says a discovery like this can help scientists learn more about how the universe works…

Cut 11 (10) “listening to the universe”

State Police is partnering with Blue Cross for the safe disposal of prescription medication in central and northwest Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt says in the front of the Troop F station in Monroe they’ve set out a box that looks like to a mail box for people to safely get rid of old or unwanted medication. But He says they won’t take any needles or intravenous drugs..

cut 14 (08)  “a doctor”

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy will each give their views on the budget crisis tonight.

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The State Department of Health and Hospitals is investigating two possible Zika cases in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch, with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, says officials learned of these two cases after the patients complained to their doctors about feeling ill after visiting the Caribbean.

CUT 3 (06)  “completely recovered”

A California judge ruled Frank Selas is the former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder” who allegedly sexually abused children in Louisiana in the 1970s. Lt. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says everyone is anxious for Selas to be extradited back to Louisiana…

cut 16 (08)  “37 years”

Mr. Wonder was living in San Diego at the time he was arrested.

Louisiana State Police is working with Blue Cross to help safely dispose of prescription medication in central and northwest parts of the state by placing boxes in front of Troop E and F stations. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the normal methods of flushing old prescriptions down the toilet or throwing them in the trash are still effective. He says this is just another option of getting rid of the medications.

cut 13 (06)  “our office”

Louisiana Researchers have played a role in detecting gravitational waves, which Albert Einstein predicted would occur as part of his general theory of relativity. LSU astronomy professor, Gabriela Gonzalez, says their observatory in Livingston Parish saw the ripples in the fabric of space time on September 14th…:
CUT 9 (09) “black holes”
Gonzales says believe the black holes collided some one-point-three billion years ago and this kind of information can help scientists understand the universe.

Louisiana is going through some major financial trouble right now, but analysts say we aren’t the first or last state to see issues like this.
Political pollster Ron Faucheux says most states have improved their fiscal situation since the the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009…:
CUT 6 (09) “have rebounded”
Governor John Bel Edwards is broadcasting a rare address this evening to let the public know exactly what Louisiana is facing.

The wife of former New Orleans Pelicans coach Monty Williams died after being involved in a crash in Oklahoma City. Authorities say a woman crossed the center line of a road and struck the vehicle driven by 44-year-old Ingrid Williams. The driver of the other car was killed, and Williams succumbed to her injuries Wednesday evening. Monty Williams was the Pelicans head coach for five seasons, and currently serves as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He an Ingrid Williams have five children.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump will host a rally tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center. Emelie Gunn has more on why Trump is making an appearance in the Bayou State…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump will hold a rally tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center. Trump just won the New Hampshire primary, and political analyst John Couvillion says his campaign knows they’ll need to outperform Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the southern states. He expects the Trump Baton Rouge rally turnout will big like the ones in New Hampshire and Iowa…:
CUT 6 (05) “that trend”
The Louisiana Presidential Primary election is March 5th. Trump’s rally begins at 7pm, doors open at 5.

Governor John Bel Edwards will address Louisiana citizens tonight to discuss the state’s historic budget deficit. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Edwards wants to make the public aware of the $870 million dollar current year deficit…:
CUT 9 (05) “as usual”
The 12 minute address will be aired at 6:30 pm on major television and radio stations.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that seeks to change the state constitution to allow Louisiana residents to possess a concealed handgun without needing a permit. Republican State Representative Barry Ivey says public support will have a huge impact on passing the bill and encourages voters to contact their legislatures…:
cut 12 (09) “of Louisiana”
Current Louisiana law allows residents 21 and over to carry a non-concealed handgun without a permit.

Burger King announces they’ll add hot dogs to their menu starting February 23rd. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says it’ll be interesting to be see how well the hot dogs will do, but Burger King is calling it their biggest launch since the chicken sandwich in the 70s…:
Cut 15 (08) “segment”
He says McDonald’s just went to all day breakfast and this is Burger King’s way of opening a new market.

A rare televised address to the public by a Louisiana governor will air live tonight at 6:30pm. The Revenue Estimating Conference issued a projection Wednesday indicating the state is looking at about an $850 million dollar shortfall in the current year, and about $2 billion for the budget that begins July 1st. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Governor John Bel Edwards and lawmakers have a tough road ahead…:
CUT 8 (04) “to get through”
He says Governor Edwards will express to the public the dire budget situation.

A bill that would let Louisiana citizens conceal carry a gun without a permit is set to be taken up in the regular legislative session. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey has brought similar legislation in the past that didn’t get much discussion, but he feels there’s a better shot this year..:
CUT 11 (05) “two years ago”
The regular session begins in March.

New Orleans Pelicans owners Tom and Gayle Benson issued a statement in response to the death of the wife of former Pels coach Monty Williams. 44-year-old Ingrid Williams died after being involved in a car crash in Oklahoma City. The Bensons say Ingrid will be remembered as one of the most generous, kind and humble individuals they’ve ever known. Monty Williams was the coach of the Pelicans for five seasons. He and Ingrid have five children.

Authorities say a man in Jefferson Parish was killed and another injured after an ambulance on a mechanic’s rack fell on top of them. The investigation is ongoing.

Burger King announces they’ll add hot dogs to their menu starting February 23rd. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Fresh off his primary win in New Hampshire, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump will hold a rally tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center. Political Analyst John Couvillion says new life has been breathed into Trump’s campaign, but to get the nomination, he’ll need to outperform Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the southern states…:
cut 4 (10) “March 1”
The Louisiana Presidential Primary election is March 5th.

The alleged former north Louisiana children’s television host known as Mr. Wonder is set to go before a judge in San Diego today claiming he is not the accused predator authorities here are seeking. The man cops identify as Frank Selas III is wanted on charges that he sexually abused children during a 1970s camping trip in Rapides Parish. The man arrested at his California home last month claims they’ve got the wrong guy.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that seeks to change the state constitution to allow Louisiana residents to possess a concealed handgun without needing a permit. Republican State Representative Barry Ivey says this law would apply only to non-felon residents…:
Cut 10 (12) “of a firearm”
The proposed constitutional amendment would need two-thirds approval in the House and Senate and a majority vote from the public.

Burger King announces they’ll add hot dogs to their menu starting February 23rd. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says McDonald’s just went to all day breakfast and this is Burger King’s way of opening a new market…:
Cut 13 (10) “grilled dog”
Burger King partnered with Oscar Mayer to create the hot dog.