A TOPS task force is passing along its recommendations for saving the scholarship program to the legislature…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU missed out on signing the nation’s top cornerback on National Signing Day. Patrick Surtain Junior signed with Alabama. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it was imperative for LSU to sign him

Cut 11 (10) “to LSU”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is proposing legislation for the regular session that would require state agencies to publish all of their expenditures online for the public. The measure would create a “Louisiana Checkbook” that Ivey says it’s all about transparency.

Cut 23 (11)  “transactional level.”

The proposal seeks to replicate Ohiocheckbook.com, where all Ohio state expenditures are logged, and available to view using a user-friendly interface.

The Department of Education has revoked an Alexandria child day care’s license.  Public funding for the Jumpin’ Jacks Development Center has also been terminated.  There have been several reports of children nearly escaping the facility.  One parent told officials she saw her children near the street and in front of a nearby business without supervision.  They have 15 days to appeal the decision.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that would require state agencies to post all expenditures online. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

LSU is losing out on a five star cornerback to rival Alabama.  Patrick Surtain Jr. was the national top unsigned prospect for the 2018 class.  It’s not been a good day for LSU.  Earlier, cornerback Mario Goodrich chose Clemson over the Tiger program.  LSU quarterbacks will have to contend throwing in Surtain’s direction when they meet the Crimson Tide November 3^rd.

U.S. Republican Senator John Kennedy wants to make sure dead people don’t get anymore Social Security benefits.  He has introduced a bill that would allow the Social Security Administration and the Treasury Department to trade information notifying each other to stop improper payments…

Cut 5 (09)  “of why.”

Kennedy says nearly 10-billion-dollars in payments to deceased persons were made in 2015.

Topcashback.com surveyed thousands of adults asking their opinion on Valentine’s Day gifts that may have some of you scrambling for the receipts. Chief Communications Officer Natasha Rachel Smith says according to their results, materialistic gifts are out, and quality time is in.

Cut 7 (10)  “use once”

Senator John Kennedy has introduced the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.   Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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It could end up being a soggy Mardi Gras celebration this weekend.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that would require state agencies to post all expenditures online. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

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U.S. Republican Senator John Kennedy has joined Democratic Senator Tom Carper of Delaware in introducing the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.  Kennedy says in 2015, the Social Security Administration made nearly ten-billion-dollars in improper payments…

Cut 4  (12) “dead people.” 

After contacting the Social Security Administration as to why they couldn’t share their dead person’s database with the Treasury Department, Kennedy was told they didn’t have the legal authority to do so.  Kennedy says this bill will allow them to trade that information, stopping the waste of billions of dollars…

Cut 5  (09)  “of why.”

Kennedy says he and his colleagues are very confident this bill will pass.  After it becomes law, he says he will lead the effort in making those who work in the Social Security Administration and the Treasury Department are held accountable…

Cut 6 (09)  “their job.”

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Topcashback.com surveyed thousands of adults asking their opinion on Valentine’s Day gifts that may have some of you scrambling for the receipts. Chief Communications Officer Natasha Rachel Smith says according to their results, materialistic gifts are out, and quality time is in.

Cut 7 (10)  “use once”

According to the survey, both men and women are not interested in finding lingerie in their Valentine’s Day gift bag. Smith says the frilly undergarments might be a bit passé.

Cut 8 (10) “item now”

48 percent of women said they would not be happy if their partner gave them a valentine’s card full of cash. Smith says a wad of Washingtons is a lazy gift.

Cut 9 (10)  “into that.”

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It’s going to be an upside down day with weather in the Bayou State.   It’s a type of day that occurs once in a while when a cold weather front moves through.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says many areas in south Louisiana will see their high temperatures early…

Cut 10 (07) “northern parishes.”

After some wet weather today, a dry day is on tap for Thursday.  Then Keim says another front is moving in just in time to put a damper on Mardi Gras weekend…

Cut 11 (11) “both days.”

Several state senators are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to call a special session this month to fix a one-billion dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year. Edwards is waiting on House Republicans to get behind tax bills to make up the shortfall. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says legislators need to agree on a plan at the State Capitol…

Cut 3 (11) “of happening.”

Workers are seeing a difference in their paychecks. The federal tax reform bill has kicked in, giving the average worker an additional one-point-six-percent more in take home pay. But not everyone is seeing the increase just yet.  Co-owner of Metairie based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says some of the income tax bracket changes are just getting to some employers…

Cut 8 (10) “in January.”

Investors are jittery after the largest one day point drop in the history of Dow Jones. Matt Doyle gets advice from a pair of financial advisers…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Search crews recovered the body of a St. Martinville man from Bayou Amy this morning in St. Martin Parish.  LDWF enforcement agents and the St. Martin and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Offices recovered the body of 54-year-old Richard Pellerin. Officials were notified about a capsized vessel found in the Bayou.  Upon recovery there was no personal flotation device found on the body.

We’ll find out this week whether there will be a special session to address the looming one billion dollar shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says a student at Barbe High School brought a weapon to school today.  The 15-year-old boy brought the firearm that belonged to a sheriff’s deputy, identified as a family member.  The weapon was taken without the deputy’s knowledge.   The juvenile was arrested and the sheriff’s office is conducting an internal investigation in reference to the firearm.

Workers are seeing a difference in their paychecks. The federal tax reform bill has kicked in, giving the average worker, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, an additional one-point-six-percent more in take home pay. Co-owner of Metairie based Crescent Payroll Solutions Sanders Offner says…

Cut 7 (10)  “their paychecks.”

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown Mardi Gras New Orleans parade. SPCA Communications Director Alicia Haefele says the video was a disturbing example of animal abuse.

Cut 13 (11) “off screen.”

The horse is in good condition and is being transferred to SPCA control.

A group of 14 bipartisan senators have sent a letter to Governor Edwards urging him to call a special session this month, so legislators can solve the billion dollar shortfall the state faces on July 1st. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says solving the fiscal cliff now will make it easier for legislators to pass a budget in June…

cut 4 (08) “….long way”

Governor Edwards is reportley going to make a call for a special session by Friday.

President Trump has asked Congress to pass a one-point-five-trillion-dollar infrastructure funding bill. But will Louisiana see any of those dollars? State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana doesn’t have enough transportation money to match what the federal government might be willing to offer…
Cut 30 (09) “those dollars.”

Investors are breathing a little easier as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rebounded 587 points today.  Financial analyst Andy Anderson says don’t panic at the volatility of the stock market.  Just look at how your portfolio has performed in the past…

Cut 11 (09) “the trend.” (2X)

A Krewe of Oshun horse rider was given a citation for animal cruelty after they were filmed abusing their horse Friday during the uptown Mardi Gras New Orleans parade.  The video spread quickly across social media, helping lead officials to the rider. SPCA Communications Director Alicia Haefele says the video is spurring a conversation about animal treatment during carnival season.

Cut 14 (12) “the past.”

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

We’ll find out this week whether there will be a special session to address the looming one billion dollar shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Tuesday vigil is being held for the two students who were killed, and the other two who were injured after an alleged drunk driver slammed his truck into their vehicle while driving the wrong direction on US 167 on Sunday. The victims were all North Vermillion High School students. 20-year-old Tyler Meaux, the truck’s driver, suffered minor injuries.

Investors are concerned with the recent drop in the Stock Market.  Monday’s drop of 1,175 points of the Dow Jones Industrial average was the biggest one day point decline and percentage wise the largest loss in six years. Financial analyst Fred Dent says it’s not a time to panic, but a time for investors to reevaluate the market. He says it’s a good time to talk with a financial advise.

Cut 12 (10) “rich quick.”

Peninsula Pacific confirmed that they are considering moving the Bossier based Diamond Jack Casino to Tangipahoa Parish, pending further analysis and legislative approval. Reports indicate that Peninsula is considering placing the casino along the Tangipahoa River, near the Robert exit on I-12. Manager Brent Stevens says the Parish would be a great location for a new casino.

Cut 15 (09) “exciting place”

Louisiana Radio Network

Tangipahoa Parish could be in line to get a casino, Matt Doyle talked to the casino owner about the possibility.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Greg Hilburn with the USA TODAY Network reports Governor John Bel Edwards plans to call for a special session to start February 19^th.  He is expected to issue the official call this Friday according to spokesman Richard Carbo.   The state is facing a one-billion-dollar shortfall in the upcoming budget after temporary taxes expire June 30^th.  The Governor wants to create permanent taxes while GOP members say excessive spending has to stop.

Entergy customers are shocked by seeing an increase in the normal storm restoration fee on this months’ bills.  The money is used in the replacement of power lines and poles.  Customer service director Sheila Pounders says customers are still paying for damage done by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…

Cut 8 (10) “from that.”

She adds the increase in the fee is directly related to a customer’s energy usage, which in most cases went up due to the extreme cold weather.

Louisiana could be in line for getting federal funding to help with transportation infrastructure, but may miss out on it if the state doesn’t have enough matching state transportation dollars.  There are several projects the state would like to do, but without money to match the federal funds, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the money may float on by…

CUT 11 (11)  “Our state”

LSU scientists are working on a program that treats heart disease using antioxidants derived from red wine. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana’s Transportation Secretary is worried Louisiana may miss out if Congress approves a massive infrastructure funding bill.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Tangipahoa Parish could be in line to get a casino, Matt Doyle talked to the casino owner about the possibility.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LSU Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences has developed a new treatment for heart disease using antioxidants from red wine. Research has indicated that having a glass of red wine could be good for your heart, but with Professor Tammy Dugas’s program, even the sober can get those benefits.

Cut 4  (09) “an artery” 

Dugas developed a stent that can be inserted into arteries that releases antioxidants directly into problem areas.

For those looking to get the heart health benefits without a stent, or a buzz, resveratrol and quercetin supplements are available. But, Dugas says you’ll have to chew a lot of tablets to get the same benefits.

Cut 5  (11)  “red wine”

Dugas says the red wine health studies began when researchers noticed an interesting phenomenon in wine country.

Cut 6 (11)  “that benefit”

Experts have recommend having two glasses a day to start noticing the heart health benefits.

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Many Entergy Louisiana customers have suffered sticker shock after seeing their most recent bill, following the extreme cold snap in late December and January.  For many, the normal storm restoration fee went up.  But the fee has nothing to do with the recent cold weather as Customer Service Director Sheila Pounders explains…

Cut 7 (11)  “recovery cost.”

Pounders says Entergy does have a rainy day fund, but when a catastrophe hits, it is spent quickly for the replacement of power lines and poles.  She says the Public Service Commission approved a rate increase to recover those funds and customers are still paying for damage done by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…

Cut 8 (10) “from that.”

Entergy says they are working with customers to set up payment arrangements if they are having problems paying for their last bill. Pounders says their levelized billing program is the one way for a customer to pay their utility bill easier…

Cut 9 (09)  “customers like.”

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President Trump has asked Congress to pass a one-point-five-trillion-dollar infrastructure funding bill.  But will Louisiana see any of those dollars if it passes? State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is worried because Louisiana doesn’t have enough state transportation dollars to match what the federal government might be willing to offer…

Cut 10 (09) “those dollars.”

The state currently has a backlog of 13-billion-dollars in infrastructure repairs and a wish list of projects, including a Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge.  Wilson says the current state gas tax of 20 cents per gallon makes it difficult to get new projects started even with the help of the federal government…

Cut 11 (11) “our state.”

The number of reported flu cases in Louisiana has dropped.  Jeff Palermo spoke with flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport police say a Good Samaritan trying to help in an accident on I-20 was killed yesterday afternoon.  A major accident had occurred in the westbound lanes between a tractor trailer and a pickup truck.   The pedestrian stopped to help, attempting to cross both eastbound lanes of traffic when he was struck and killed.   The victims in the initial accident were taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

One man died and another hospitalized after a Mardi Gras parade route shooting in Jeanerette on Sunday. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Major Wendell Raborn says the shooting occurred at the intersection of Monnot Road and Martin Luther King Drive. There are a lot of potential witnesses, but no one has come forward with any information

Cut 10 (07) “saw anything”

There is no word on the condition of the second person shot.

Two New Orleans natives, Odell Beckham Jr. and Eli Manning stole the show last night with one of the best Super Bowl ads in years. The two Isidore Newman grads recreated an iconic moment from the classic Dirty Dancing film, high lift and all. Newman head coach Nelson Stewart says his phone blew up seconds after it aired…

Cut 13 (09) “years ago.”