Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and four others, including his mother, sister and cousin.  34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired the shots in question Sunday night, then fled.  15 minutes later, police stopped him and Thomas fired shots at the officer.  Another officer finally stopped and arrested him.  Coppola credits the quick response by police that kept this situation from being worse than what it was…

Cut 5  (06)  “facing already.”

Coppola says they are investigating why the situation escalated to the level it did.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales has been trying to win it big for sometime…

Cut 7 (11)  “January 20th.”

A Shreveport caregiver is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond after allegedly stealing money from an elderly, disabled patient. Jim Shannon talked to the Caddo Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.

A 17-year-old juvenile who escaped from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe has been found and arrested.  Teondre Wright was found by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations and the US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force in an apartment complex in Algiers.  He was placed under arrest and booked into the Orleans Justice Center as a fugitive.

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and his family.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after an initial shooting, when he opened fire on police. Sgt.  Sgt. Don Coppola says Thomas faces several charges.

Cut 4  (07) “a firearm.” 

One officer was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive their injuries.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales thought she won only 600-dollars.  Prednergast was quite surprised when she found out at the lottery office she won 525-thousand-dollars…

Cut 6 (10)  “of suprise.”

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploitation of persons with infirmities and felony identity theft after an investigation by Caddo Parish deputies. 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a disabled 65-year-old-woman and is accused of stealing more than 20,000 dollars. Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says it was a long con.

Cut 9 (10) “open accounts.”

Edwards is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond.

The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says don’t hold out on getting your shot because of vaccine related rumors. She says there is a lot of misinformation online.

Cut 14 (07) “up facts”

Louisiana Radio Network

A man is under arrest after allegedly firing shots at a Baton Rouge Police Department officer and some family members.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting and Sgt. Don Coppola says that’s when the suspect started shooting at the officer…

Cut 3 (11) “was struck.”

He was rushed to the hospital, but is expected to recover.

The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says if you’re holding out on getting your shot because of vaccine related rumors, you’re making a big mistake.

Cut 12 (10) “get it”

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploiting persons with disabilities after allegedly stealing more than 20,000 dollars.  37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a 65-year-old woman while the thefts were occurring.  Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says those who rely on caregivers need to protect their personal information…

Cut 11 (11) “properly secured”

Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales is the first Lotto Winner in 2018, winning 525-thousand-dollars. So what does the latest winner want to do with her earnings?  Chopin says Prendergast was ready for a good cup of coffee…

Cut 8 (10) “right now.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and family members.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting.  Sgt. Don Coppola credits the quick response by police that kept this situation from being worse than what it was…

Cut 5  (06)  “facing already.”

The officer was hit once.

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploitation of persons with infirmities and felony identity theft.  Police say 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a disabled 65-year-old-woman and stole more than 20,000 dollars. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says it was a long con.

Cut 9 (10) “open accounts.”

The federal government says it’s the worst flu season since the 2009 swine flu epidemic.  State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says there is a lot of misinformation online and on the airwaves about vaccines and the flu. She says before making medical decisions, make sure you have trustworthy medical advice.

Cut 14 (07) “up facts”

An 83-year-old grandmother is a half-million-dollars richer.  Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Prendergast has been trying to win it big for sometime…

Cut 7 (11)  “January 20th.”

The ticket was bought at a store in Breaux Bridge and they will get a reward for selling the winning ticket.

A Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from his injures after 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired a weapon at him.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The man who brought flavor to Louisiana in the form of Panola pepper has died. Bubber Brown died Saturday at 83 years old. Brown began Panola back in 1983 to give his workers year-round work. The company operates in East Carroll Parish just outside of lake Providence.

Governor John Bel Edwards and State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington to discuss infrastructure plans with President Trump during a round table discussion. Trump has pledged 1.5 trillion dollars nationwide. Edwards and Wilson are in Washington to make Louisiana’s voice heard in the discussion.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales thought she won only 600-dollars.  Predergast was quite surprised when she found out at the lottery office she won 525-thousand-dollars…

Cut 6 (10)  “of surprise.”

After taxes she will take home 367-thousand dollars.

Louisiana transportation officials are trying to grab their share of a one point five trillion dollar infra-structure plan President Trump campaigned on. While the plan is still locked behind closed doors a Louisiana delegation is headed to Washington. Matt Doyle explains.

Cut 1 (:30) q…”I’m Matt Doyle.”

The founder of Panola Pepper near Lake Providence has passed away. Bubber Brown Senior died at the age of 83. He founded the spice company in 1983. His daughter and husband have been running the company for several years.

A special Louisiana Legislative session begins a week from today in Baton Rouge. Lawmakers will be wrestling with a massive one billion dollar deficit in the budget. While budget deficits are old hat for most legislators the governor want to renew some temporary sales taxes while other lawmakers argue it’s time to move forward and look for a different money strain. Representative Gene Reynolds is the democratic caucus chair

Cut 11 (:09) q…”look at.”

The seventeen day special session will feature 17 different items the governor has outlined in his call.

A Baton Rouge Police officer is recovering from injuries sustained following a shooting last night. The suspect, 34 year old Eugene Thomas Jr. is charged with five counts of attempted murder. Bond has not yet been set but officials say it will be set later this morning. The officer is expected to survive, but sustained severe injuries.

A one billion dollar shortfall in the state’s budget tops the agenda of a special session set a week from today. Legislators are confident a solution can be found.

Cut 2 (:30) “I’m Jeff Palermo

That special session ends March 7^th.

Mardi Gras day of course is tomorrow in the Big Easy. TODAY the king of carnival…Rex will make his way from the west bank of New Orleans across the river to begin his reign over the city.

A  Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from injuries sustained after allegedly being shot at by 34 year old Eugene Thomas Jr, yesterday. Thomas is charged with the attempted first degree murder of his mother, sister, cousin, and a friend… along with attempted first degree murder of a police officer.  The name of the injured officer has not been released.

Raising cane’s held its annual corporate meeting in Baton Rouge at the Raising cane’s river-center recently. The fastest growing chicken chain first opened near LSU in the mid-90’s and it’s CEO Todd Graves says the company is moving even farther up the food chain.

Cut 14 (:12) “in Hawaii.”

Cane’s will expand to 360 stores in 26 states when this phase is complete.

President Trump campaigned on revitalizing the nation’s crumbling infrastructure, and reports indicate that he could be close to unveiling a potential 1.5 trillion dollar plan. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Lawmakers are optimistic a deal will be reached to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo talked to legislative leadership about what they expect in the special session.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Raising Cane’s recently held their annual meeting in Baton Rouge with a couple of exciting announcements.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington to discuss infrastructure plans with the Trump Administration. Reports indicate the President could soon unveil a massive new infrastructure spending plan. Wilson says today’s roundtable discussion is a great opportunity to bring attention to the state’s aging infrastructure.

Cut 4  (09) “additional investment.” 

The reports indicate the President could be seeking as much as 1.5 trillion dollars in new infrastructure spending. Wilson says if the feds put up that kind of money, the state would immediately get to work on a twenty year backlog of projects.

Cut 5  (09)  “put together”

The White House has indicated states may be required to put up additional matching dollars to get access to the potential wealth of federal infrastructure dollars. If so, Wilson says failing to pass a gas tax increase could make it tough to get those funds.

Cut 6 (10)  “federal dollar.”

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A Monroe man has designed a product called Streamleash to help you have better control of your dog. Ian Blaylock says as a runner, if his dog quickly ran in one direction, he would lose his balance and control of his pet. He says Streamleash allows the leash to extend, but the user is in control of the cord length…

Cut 7 (09)  “your dog.”

Blayock says Streamleash features a wrist strap, so you no longer have to grip the leash in you hands, which can be difficult to do if you are on a long walk or run. He says if you dog starts sprinting in a different direction, he just squeezes his hand the leash locks into place…

Cut 8 (07) “in control.”

Blayock has a Kickstarter campaign in the hopes of raising $55,000 so he can create an initial order of 2,000. He says retractable leases are useless for training, but he hopes the Streamless can be instrumental in creating an obedient dog…

Cut 9 (11)  “leader of the pack.”

So far, the Kickstarter project has raised 21-hundred-dollars.  Blaylock says orders made through the website will begin being delivered in May.

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Legislative leaders are optimistic the February special session will end with a deal to fill the one billion dollar budget gap that’s the result of the expiration of sales taxes in July. The session will begin February 19^th, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds says the two sides are getting close on an agreement.

Cut 10 (09) “this done”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to making any deal that does not include renewing a temporary one cent sales tax that’s set to expire. Reynolds says it’s a non-starter for any negotiation.

Cut 11 (08) “look at”

Congress approved a spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown. Louisiana’s delegation voted three to five against accepting the budget deal. Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill, saying the spending increases are not paid for.

Cut 9 (10) “new expenses.”

Representative Ralph Abraham is not happy about increasing the deficit, but he says the predictions for how much the debt will balloon may be overstated.

Cut 12 (11) “long run”

Abraham says the increase in defense spending will be a substantial boost the to Louisiana economy. Kennedy was joined in voting no by Senator Bill Cassidy, and Representatives Cedric Richmond, Mike Johnson, and Garret Graves. Representatives Abraham, Clay Higgins, and Steve Scalise voted yes.

It’s going to be a rainy weekend for the busiest Carnival time in South Louisiana.  Many of the larger parades are scheduled for today and tonight.  After the fun here, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser plans to be in Washington DC on Fat Tuesday to promote the state’s new tourism slogan, “Louisiana: Feed Your Soul.” He says it’s his hope that it will be a safe Mardi Gras and he knows our state and local law enforcement is working hard to make sure it is…

Cut 5  (07)  “any incidents”

A couple of parades in Lafayette have been cancelled. The Krewe of Omega and Krewe of Barkus parades scheduled for today will not run. There are no plans to reschedule them. The Endymion Krewe has announced that the largest parade in New Orleans, will roll at 4:30 this afternoon rain or shine.

Carnival season ramps up today, but threatening weather could put a damper on things. Some areas of the state could see a couple of inches of rain.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says knows that will not dampen the spirit of the many who visit the state for Louisiana’s largest celebration….

Cut 4  (12) “of the state” 

Even though it will seem gloomy, above normal temperatures will remain, which state climatologist Barry Keim says will help it to feel more like spring…

Cut 7 (07)  “overcast skies.”

The Endymion Krewe has announced that the largest parade in New Orleans, will roll at 4:30 this afternoon rain or shine.

Governor John Bel Edwards has called for a special session to start on February 19^th.  The 17-day special session is being called to address a one-billion-dollar fiscal cliff facing the state starting July 1^st when a one-cent sales tax drops off the books.  He wants to change the budget and tax policy, while the GOP says the Governor’s excessive spending needs to stop and no new taxes are necessary.

Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers alleging that the Corps expanded the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermillion Parish beyond the borders set in a 1920s agreement.  He says even though there are agreements that allow states to construct new waterways, Landry says those states wouldn’t have allowed the Corp to over expand…

Cut 15 (09) “its right”

The Governor says he’ll review the suit, but is concerned Landry did not consult with him, or the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.