A Bastrop mother is facing criminal charges in the death of her two children in a house fire Monday. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…
cut 4 (12) “closer to noon-time”
4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home.

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport says they have received reports of some light snow in parts of Notheast Louisiana this morning. According to authorities, it was just a light dusting with no major impacts. Expect a warmer day tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for South Louisiana.

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:
CUT 12 (12) “dignified lives”
He also thinks raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid would help.

Gas prices continue their steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down a staggering 45 cents from this time last month.

A Minden state lawmaker didn’t get the answers he was looking for in a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the potential health effects of the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant at Camp Minden. Representative Gene Reynolds is pushing for an incinerator burn, but E-P-A continues to say an open tray burn is best…
CUT 9 (09) “the air”

A new study by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds over half of Louisiana families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” That study recommends payraises, increasing the minimum wage, and expanding Medicaid…
CUT 14 (07) Q: ‘in Louisiana”
That’s Economic Policy specialist and study lead Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te)
=========================
The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

There were several reports of light snow falling in portions of Northeast Louisiana this morning. The National Weather Service reports it was nothing more than a light dusting, and it caused no major problems. It will be warmer tomorrow, but in South Louisiana, there’s rain in the forecast.

The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces criminal charges in the death of 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton. They were killed in the fire after being left home alone. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide…
CUT 3 (06) “in Shreveport”

The Alexandria Zoo facing fire from PETA after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson, Brittany Peete…
CUT 6 (10) “January night”
The zoo reports that employee has resigned.

—————————–

The Enviromental Protection Agency says the M-6 propellant being stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish is breaking down, and they’re recommending an open burn to get rid of it. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says he’s not so comfortable with the EPA moving so fast…
CUT 11 (11) Q: “on it”
Reynolds says the state should have more of a say in the matter, since the state owns the explosives. He recommends an incenarator burn.

LSU has added one of the top recruiters in the country to the football staff. Louisiana native and former USC Trojan Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron has been signed for the same coaching position for the LSU Tigers. Orgeron will replace Brick Haley, who is being reassigned within the LSU Athletic Department.

The Alexandria Zoo is is facing some heat from PETA after two endangered primates froze to death last week. The zoo employee who left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold has resigned….
CUT 8 (10) Q: “caring for animals”
That’s PETA spokesperson, Brittany Peete.

If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. A report from Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children in the state are not making enough money to live-quote “a modest, dignified life.” Their recommendations?
CUT 13 (12) Q: ‘earned income tax credit’
That’s Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the Loyola study.
———————————————
According to State Representative Gene Reynolds, a closed-door meeting with the E-P-A did not produce an agreement over the disposal of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant stored in Webster Parish…
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport says they have received reports of some light snow in parts of Notheast Louisiana this morning. According to authorities, it was just a light dusting with no major impacts. Expect a warmer day tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast for South Louisiana.

A new study shows that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute, finds 52-percent of families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” Economic policy specialist Ali Bustamante (bOOs”tä-män’te), who led the study, says employers should consider increasing compensation…:
CUT 12 (12) “dignified lives”
He also thinks raising the minimum wage and expanding Medicaid would also help.

Gas prices continue their steady decline. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.94 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down a staggering 45 cents from this time last month.

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week.
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

A state lawmaker concerned about potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish is not satisfied with the EPA’s response when they met. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says no burn should happen until they are assured unhealthy material doesn’t go into the air:
CUT 10 (05) “your house”
The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it.

The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces negligent homicide charges in their deaths. 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home by 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they believe the fire originated at a gas space heater inside the home…

cut 5 (07) “started the fire”

He says the two children were left alone in the home for hours before the fire broke out.

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. Spokesperson, Brittany Peet says PETA is requesting the USDA to investigate the zoo…

cut 7 (10) “veterinary care”

Zoo officials say the employee in question, who was initially placed on administrative leave, has resigned.

A state lawmaker did not get the answers he was seeking in a closed door meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish. The EPA say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and an open burn is the safest and fastest way to get rid of it. But Minden Representative Gene Reynolds says the state owns the explosives, so they should have the final say on the method of disposal…

cut 11 (11) “on it”

Despite the meeting, the E-P-A still plans on doing a trial burn.

A Bastrop mother is facing criminal charges in the death of her two children in a house fire Monday. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide. Browning says the investigation is ongoing, but one thing is for sure: the two children were left unattended in the home for hours before the fire broke out…

cut 4 (12) “closer to noon-time”

4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home.

New figures released Tuesday show that less than half of Louisiana families earn enough money to cover basic costs. The report, by Loyola University’s Jesuit Social Research Institute found that 52-percent of state families with children are not making enough money to live, what they call, “a modest, dignified life.” According to their findings, the average Louisiana couple with one child accrues expenses adding up to $55,352 a year.

A state lawmaker concerned about the potential health effects of an open tray burn of 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant in Webster Parish did not get the answers he was seeking in a closed door meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds is pushing for an incenerator burn, but the EPA continues to say an open tray burn is safe and easy…

cut 9 (09) “out of the air”

The EPA says a date has not been set on when they will do a trial burn, but officials say the propellants at Camp Minden are deteriorating and need to be disposed of soon.

The Alexandria Zoo is under fire from an animal rights group after two endangered primates froze to death last week. A zoo employee left three cotton-top tamarins out in the cold, resulting in the death of two of the monkeys. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesperson, Brittany Peet…

cut 6 (10) “January night”

Peet says PETA is requesting the USDA to investigate the zoo.

Senator David Vitter announces he has raised $4 million dollars for his bid to become governor of Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

A day after we learned LSU hired Alabama lineman coach Kevin Steele to be its new defensive coordinator, replacing outgoing DC John Chavis — today we find out Coach O is – Ed Orgeron – has also been hired to coach the Tigers’ defensive line. Orgeron is the former USC interim head coach and coached Ole Miss from 2005-2007.

The mother of the two siblings killed in a house fire in Bastrop Monday, now faces criminal charges in their death. 4-year-old Tashae Johnson and her 3-year-old brother Clifton were killed in the fire after being left unattended in the home. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 21-year-old Ciarria Johnson is charged with two counts of negligent homicide…:
CUT 3 (06) “in Shreveport”
Browning says Johnson told authorities she left the home at 1PM to have her hair styled. The fire broke out around 3:30PM and the cause remains under investigation.

State Police is requesting a 30% increase for many of its troopers. Col Mike Edmonson says the money is coming from a special fund approved in last year’s legislative session which collects fines from drivers with expired auto insurance and puts them in an account for LSP salaries. He says they were asked to find a mechanism that would fund a pay adjustment:
CUT 13 (10) “spend those dollars”
He says rank and file troopers have not had a raise since 2002.

State Police is requesting a 30% pay hike for many of its troopers. If lawmakers approve the money shift, starting pay with benefits for troopers would go from about $35,600 a year to $46,600 a year. Col Mike Edmonson expects this will be approved as he’s heard nothing negative from lawmakers on this matter…

cut 15 (10) “decision”

This will be the first raise for rank-and-file troopers since 2002.

An L-S-U Health Sciences Center researcher hopes sea moss found in the Pacific Ocean could be used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Doctor Steven Alexander says Bryostatin may not be able to cure a person who has Alzheimer’s, but he’s hopeful it could stop the memory loss…

cut 6 (11) “life quality”

Alexander says they are seeking FDA approval to begin clinical trials on humans.

So far, Senator David Vitter has raised $4 million dollars for his bid to become governor of Louisiana. According to his campaign, almost 90-percent of the contributions are from in-state donors. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s impressive, but it’s not the whole story…

cut 10 (12) “David Vitter’s campaign”

Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary is in October.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is excited about the opening of its brand new student union today. Garland “Chico” Rodriguez , Assistant Director of Building Services says the two year project now sees the bookstore, Cajun Card office, and much much more…

cut 7 (12) “semester basis”

Rodriguez says the student government association and university program council will also be moving into the new building.