A third Louisianan dies from a vaping related lung illness linked to a thickening agent found in the devices. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission has assembled a database on their website of financial disclosures for every single judge in the state. Jeff Palermo spoke with President Rafael Goyeneche…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Bayou Country Superfest is riding off into the Baton Rouge sunset as festival organizers have announced the annual Memorial Day weekend event will be on hiatus until further notice.  President and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge Paul Arrigo says looking back, it was a great event for the city.

Cut 3 (10)  “…as we had” 

The festival had a decade-long run, starting at Tiger Stadium, did two years in the Superdome, then returned to Baton Rouge in 2019 and featured some of the biggest names in country music including Florida Georgia Line, George Strait, Tim McGraw, and others.

Arrigo believes several factors contributed to last year’s modest attendance, including bouncing back from the festival’s two-year run in New Orleans, shrinking the schedule from three days to two, and a late lineup release.

Cut 4 (09) “…made in November.”

Arrigo says he’s not sure what the future holds for the festival.

Cut 5 (07) “…the near future.”

At the peak in 2014, 135,000 people attended the festival.  Last year drew about 50,000.

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The Louisiana Department of Health reports a third person has died in Louisiana from complications related to vaping, while the total number of vaping-related cases has risen to 35.

Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says these cases are being linked back to Vitamin E Acetate, which is used as a thickener in E-cigs.

Cut 6 (08) “…lungs”

Symptoms of the Vitamin E Acetate illness include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, and more.

The outbreak began last year, and researchers have started to notice a trend in who’s most likely to be impacted. Billioux says it’s older vapers who tend to buy vaping liquids with additives.

Cut 7 (08) “…currently”

Of the 35 cases, 17 appear to be THC related, and patients range from ages 17 to 71.

Billioux says despite the tragic recent death, growth in the number of cases seems to be on the decline.

Cut 8 (08) “…of use.”

LDH’s number one recommendation to stop the illness is still to just not vape.

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You can now view 5 years of financial disclosures for all 298 judges in the state of Louisiana at the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission’s website.

MCC President Rafael Goyeneche says they’ve made it easy to find out how much your local judge makes, and any potential locally financial ties they may have.

Cut 9 (10) “…system.”

Previously the only way you could get that kind of information was by filing a public records request. Goyeneche says judges are the only elected officials who have that privilege in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10) “…justification” 

12 years ago an ethics reform package was passed that required the executive and legislative branches to publicly post that information, but the State Supreme Court blocked judges from having to comply.

Goyeneche says uploading the 10,000 pages worth of data was a mammoth task, but was worth the effort to help citizens discover whether or not a local judge has a conflict of interest.

Cut 11 (10) “…available.”

If they do, Goyeneche says requesting a recusal becomes a lot easier with that information available.

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Authorities arrest a Calhoun man on a drug charge after he approached two people asking to borrow guns at a Planet Fitness parking lot in West Monroe.  West Monroe Police Major David May says the two declined the request of 19-year-old Landon Duke before going into the gym and calling the police.

Cut 12 (09) “…to rob someone.”

May says it is unclear why the Duke thought it was a good pitch, but Duke told the two why he needed the money.

Cut 13 (11) “…down the road.”

May says Duke caught the drug charge when he consented to a search.

Cut 14 (10) “…money contained methamphetamine.”

Duke faces one count of possession of a schedule II controlled dangerous substance.

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others died in a helicopter crash yesterday. Pelicans players and coaches look back at the Black Mamba’s legacy…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A bill pre-filed by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt aims to reduce auto insurance premiums by disclosing if someone injured in a car crash was wearing a seatbelt.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The nation is mourning the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed along with his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash.

Despite the terrible news the Pelicans played and defeated the Celtics yesterday. After the game, rookie Zion Williamson reflected on Kobe’s legacy…

Cut 3 (11)  “…tough man” 

Both the Celtics and Pelicans began the game with 24-second shot clock violations in honor of Kobe, who wore 24. The Pelicans won 123-108.

Forward Brandon Ingram was traded to New Orleans from LA over the summer. Ingram was given Kobe’s locker as the heir apparent to the scoring machine’s Laker legacy, and was visibly upset…

Cut 4 (10) “…around.”

LSU QB Joe Burrow weighed in on social media, saying he remembered watching Bryant with his dad and modeled much of his approach to football on the star’s legendary work ethic.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry says it was tough for the team to prepare mentally for the game, and even after blowing out one of the best teams in the league, it was hard to really enjoy it.

Cut 5 (08) “…life.”

LSU Star and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neil, who won three titles with Kobe, had a brief comment to the media saying words can’t describe what he’s going through right now.
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Two people from Kaplan died this morning in a head-on crash on Highway 14 in Vermilion Parish. They’ve been identified as 29-year-old Kiristan Mitchell and 18-year-old Kalix Broussard. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says Mitchell crossed the center lines while trying to negotiate a curve

Cut 6 (10) “…the crash”

Gossen says investigating troopers say the victims were not buckled up…

Cut 7 (08) “…get the message.”

Broussard was a star running back at Vermilion Catholic High School and graduated in 2019. Gossen says they are not sure why Mitchell drifted into the other lane on the curvy highway…

Cut 8 (09) “…pending.”

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Two people are dead after a drag racing accident in Baton Rouge on Saturday. One of the victims was an innocent bystander riding his bike from Jeanerette. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says one of the car’s racing lost control and struck the other

Cut 9 (11) “…vehicle.”

The surviving driver, 57-year-old Lattimore Brock of Baton Rouge faces numerous charges.

Cut 10 (06) “…reckless driving” 

56-year-old Christopher Brock of Baker, a driver of the B-M-W, died at the scene. Twenty-four-year-old Deondrick Rudd of Jeanerette is the bicyclist who also died at the scene…

Cut 11 (10) “…unfortunate situation.”

Rudd’s releatives say he planned on proposing to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.
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Juries may soon get to know if someone injured in a car crash was wearing a seatbelt, something not allowed under current law.  Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt has prefiled a bill for the change and says the juries should be aware if someone is negligent in mitigating damages from not being properly restrained.

Cut 12 (10) “…wearing your seatbelt.”

Louisiana has some of the highest insurance rates in the nation.  Hewitt says there is hope this bill could result in lower claims and lower settlements with insurance companies.

Cut 13 (09) “…by the consumers.”

Hewitt says there are other things that will need to happen to reduce insurance costs to consumers, adding that a package of bills in the works right now with that aim.

Cut 14 (10) “…legislature this year.”

The bill has been filed for the past two years, but Hewitt feels the bill will receive passage this year with the change of the makeup of lawmakers.

________________

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is recruiting babies who are not breastfed to be part of the CONNECT research study. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Tax season is upon us and today is the first day you can file your 2019 taxes. Jeff Palermo spoke with a CPA for some tips.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Americans United for Life names Louisiana the most pro-life state in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is recruiting babies who are not breastfed to be part of the CONNECT research study.  Director of biomedical imaging Owen Carmichael says while breast feeding is the way to provide a baby with the best possible nutrition…

Cut 4 (13) “…are fed formula.”

The study tests a conventional baby formula against an enhanced formula that has a greater number of certain nutrients.

Carmichael says the research that led to the study suggests if a formula is fortified with the nutrient building blocks for the development of myelin, it promotes better brain development.

Cut 5 (08) “…of electrical wires.”

The study doesn’t restrict a baby’s diet solely to the fortified formula.  Carmichael says the study involves taking pictures via MRI of the child’s brain while asleep.

Cut 6 (12) “…years of age.”

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Starting today you can submit your 2019 state and federal taxes, and you’ll have until April 15^th to get them done.

New Orleans CPA Jerry Schreiber says his number one tip for filers every season is to efficiently organize your tax information either for yourself or your preparer.

Cut 7 (11) “…returns”

Last year was year one for the major federal tax overhaul that eliminated many itemized deductions in exchange for a higher standard deduction. Schreiber says if you figured out the new process last year, just repeat it…

Cut 8 (10) “…last year.”

Schreiber recommends taking your return to a reputable preparer, but if you chose to go it alone just know the IRS offers a free filing tool called IRS Free File. You can find it on the IRS website.

Cut 9 (09) “…PREPARER”

The tool comes with two packages, one for those making under 69,000 dollars a year, and one for those making over 69,000 dollars a year.

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New job numbers released by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows the Baton Rouge area has set a fourth consecutive nonfarm employment record in December 2019.  Louisiana Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says 1,800 jobs have been added over the month.

Cut 10 (10) “…over the state.”

New Orleans gained 11,300 jobs over the year, and 2,100 jobs from November to December.

The numbers were not so rosy in other parts of that state over with over the year job losses including Shreveport down 2,800 job, Houma down 1,200, and Lake Charles down 800.   Bustamante says much of that is attributed to declines in construction due to completion of big industrial construction projects.

Cut 11 (11) “…services and manufacturing.”

Bustamante says the leisure and hospitality sector is booming with record high employment at nearly 242,000 jobs, manufacturing added 5,000 jobs over the year and the state continues to excel with business and professional services.

Cut 12 (07) “…great employment growth throughout.”

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Americans United for Life ranks Louisiana as the most pro-life state in the nation, largely on the back of a series of bills passed last year in the Legislature.  The rankings also touted an upcoming March 4^th Supreme Court admitting privileges case originating from Louisiana that Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Alexandra Seghers says could have major implications.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Opponents argue requiring admitting privileges at local hospitals is an undue burden designed to shutter abortion clinics across the country.

Along with seven pieces of legislation passed last year, including the Heartbeat Bill, the publication noted a constitutional amendment set for the November presidential ballot…

Cut 14 (07) “…constitution.”

Seghers says the plan is to continue pursuing further pro-life legislation in the state as 8,000 to 9,000 procedures are still performed every year locally…

Cut 15 (10) “…the top”

The March for Life gathered in both Monroe and Baton Rouge over the weekend, and thousands, including the President, joined the march in D.C Friday.

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Preseason practice is underway for the 11th ranked LSU baseball team and there are plenty of position battles to be sorted out before the season opener on February 14th. The only returning starters in the field are catcher Saul Garza, first baseman Cade Beloso and outfielder Daniel Cabrera. Coach Paul Mainieri expects to have fluidity with his everyday lineup

Cut 16  (25)  …our team” 

LSU returns a lot of its pitching from last year. Mainieri says Cole Henry is the likely Friday night starter, Landon Marceaux, Eric Walker and AJ Labas are batting for the other two weekend spots

Cut 17  (20) ” three weeks” 

One of the newcomers on this team is outfielder Maurice Hampton, who just helped the Tigers win a national championship in football. The Memphis native had 10 tackles as a reserve safety. Mainieri admits Hampton is behind the other hitters

cut 18  (20) ” I think”   

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After winning a school-record 11 games in 2019, the Ragin Cajuns football team begins offseason workouts today as they prepare for 2020. Third-year head coach Billy Napier says the goal is to build on last year’s success

cut 19 (16)  intend to do”  

The Cajuns will have a new defensive coordinator. Ron Roberts has left to be the D-C at Baylor. Safeties coach Patrick Toney is expected to be named the new defensive coordinator and former graduate assistant Austin Armstrong is expected to be named inside linebackers coach. Napier is appreciative of Roberts, but is confident the defense will remain playing at a high level

cut 20 (20) “ stamp on it”    

Winning the national championship results in a big payday for LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The killing of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor in Washington Parish has a civil rights group concerned that he may have been targeted because he was black and gay. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Onlineschoolsreport.com ranks Northwestern State University’s online Bachelor of General Studies as the number two program in the nation. The rankings looked at various factors including student satisfaction and median debt by program. Executive Director of Academic Advising Steve Hicks…

Cut 3 (11)  “…is an honor.” 

Hicks says the general studies program is an appropriate field for those who have an employer that requires a degree for upward mobility.

A majority of the curriculum’s students are over the age of 24, and Hicks says it fits their needs whether full time or part-time.

Cut 4 (07) “…suit their needs.”

Hicks says the positive ranking should help with enrollment…

Cut 5 (08) “…to the region.”

Data sources for the rankings include the National Center for Education Statistics and the US Department of Education’s College Scoreboard.
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After guiding LSU to a national title, head coach Ed Orgeron has agreed to a six-year contract extension worth 42-million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Orgeron is now among the Top 10 highest-paid coaches in college football…

Cut 6 (11) “…his worth”

The contract extension is pending approval of the LSU Board of Supervisors. The deal keeps Coach O’ in Baton Rouge through the 2026 season. Higgins says there were doubters when former athletics director Joe Alleva hired Orgeron as the head coach in 2016, but it’s turned out to be a perfect fit…

Cut 7 (10) “…college football.”

Higgins doesn’t see the big-money contract slowing down Orgeron’s work ethic…

Cut 8 (10) “…something again.”

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Holden Matthews, the man suspected of setting fire to three African American Churches in St Landry Parish last spring, will have a change of plea hearing next month. The 22-year-old pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the prosecution has a lot of evidence..

Cut 9 (10) “…the arson.”

The U-S Attorney’s office indicted Matthews on three counts of intentional damage to religious property which is considered a hate crime and three counts of arson. Ciolino expects a plea deal will be reached, which will result in a significant sentence. But how much time is hard to figure

Cut 10 (07) “…civil rights violations.” 

Matthews next court date is February 10th. He also faces state charges, but Ciolino expects the son of a law enforcement officer will only spend time in federal prison…

Cut 11 (12) “…dismissed.”
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The hunt for the killer of a gay black teen who was found near a lake in Angie two weeks ago continues, and the Southern Poverty Law Center is concerned it may have been a hate crime.

17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor was found shot in the head only an hour after being reported missing by his mother. Washington Parish Sheriff’s chief deputy Mike Haley says it’s their office’s primary focus.

Cut 12 (11) “…FBI.”

Haley adds they’re currently reviewing a key piece of evidence discovered in the lake by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s dive team.

The SPLC is demanding no stone be left unturned in the case given what they say is the history of failure by law enforcement agencies in the Deep South to solve, or even investigate anti-LGBTQ hate crimes.

Cut 13 (10) “…particular”

That’s SPLC Staff Attorney Tyler Clemons. The FBI estimates nearly one in five hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias.

But Haley says it’s too early to start labeling the killing a hate crime, and they don’t have the evidence yet to make that determination.

Cut 14 (09) “…don’t know”

A new tarp has been hung at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans after wind blew away the other tarp exposing the legs of a dead worker. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Zion Williamson puts on what’s being called the three most exciting minutes of basketball this season in a 121-117 loss to the Spurs. Guard Jrue Holiday sat courtside as the rookie sensation started raining threes in the 4^th quarter…

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new tarp is up so the remains of a worker at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans are no longer visible. Strong winds pushed the previous tarp away, briefly exposing the legs of a dead man. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says it is not safe to pull the victim from the wreckage…

Cut 3 (10)  “…industry experts” 

Pictures of the victim’s legs dangling from the debris made the rounds on social media Wednesday after the original tarp shifted. McConnell urged the public from distributing those graphic images…

Cut 4 (09) “…reprehensible.”

McConnell says it’s unsafe to try the pry the man’s body from the wreckage, but they hope the remains of two of the victims who died inside the collapsed site will be recovered after a scheduled implosion in March…

Cut 5 (09) “…right now.”

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Zion Williamson electrified the Smoothie King Center last night with 22 points in his debut, a 121-117 loss to the Spurs.

Williamson had a rough start to the game before blasting the Spurs with a 17 point 4^th quarter that sent the crowd, and sidelines into a frenzy. Guard Jrue Holiday says it was an incredible show, but…

Cut 6 (07) “…surprise”

Williamson had 22 points and 7 rebounds in just 19 minutes. He did also have five turnovers.

The 12 of Williamsons 22 points came from deep, surprising considering the rookie sensation didn’t shoot well, or often at Duke. He says his injury downtime helped…

Cut 7 (08) “…of that.”

Number one missed most of the season due to a meniscus tear suffered in the preseason.

Zion’s sensational three minute, 17 point 4^th quarter outburst put the Pelicans up by three before he was yanked by the medical team as a precaution. He wasn’t happy about that…

Cut 8 (08) “…tough.”

ESPN caught Zion, as he was being taken out with just five minutes left, saying “Coach, I can win the game for this team. Leave me in”, but the med staff wasn’t having it.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is one of twenty-one Republican AGs filing a letter condemning the impeachment trial, urging the Senate to reject the articles of impeachment.  Landry says there are grave concerns about what he and other AGs have deemed a politically motivated impeachment process.

Cut 9 (12) “…very rare circumstances.”

Landry says there is a complete erosion in the rule of law in the US Senate, adding that the articles of impeachment would not hold up in any court of law.

Cut 10 (10) “…justice and fairness.” 

Landry says the use of impeachment as a politically motivated retaliation will likely damage the American system of government for decades by weakening the separation of powers.

Cut 11 (09) “…that is troubling.”
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A miniature goat is found shot to death in Lafayette, leaving the family of the pet seeking answers.  Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says it appears that the goat, known has Uncle Baby Billy Goat, was shot in the neck by either a .22 or pellet rifle and bled to death.

Cut 12 (11) “…is just heartbroken.”

The family filed a police report upon discovery of the goat’s body.  Dorson says there is a statewide trend of companion animals being shot, almost weekly, with no clear motivation.  Dorson adds that such acts of violence can have a lasting negative impact.

Cut 13 (12) “…kills a pet.”

The reward is currently set at $1300 for information that leads to an arrest.  Dorson says the state has very strong and strict provisions set for those found guilty of felony animal cruelty.

Cut 14 (10) “…more than $25,000.”

33 dogs are found in horrid conditions in and around the Ascension Parish home of 50-year-old Thomas West, who is now facing animal cruelty charges. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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The Senate impeachment trial is underway and northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is named to the President’s defense team. Here’s Johnson on what to expect over the next few days…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Ascension Parish deputies arrest a homeowner, 50-year-old Thomas West, after locating 33 dogs in horrid conditions and one of them already dead.  The dogs were taken to Cara’s House animal shelter for treatment.  Shelter president Reagan Daniel describes the property as trashed, overgrown, and no food or water bowls in sight.

Cut 3 (09)  “…you name it.” 

Daniel says the dogs have puncture wounds, heartworms and other parasites, and were covered in fleas.  The shelter is now soliciting for food donations as they get the animals the proper nutrition.

Cut 4 (13) “…currently surviving on.”

Daniel says the dogs are not yet available for fostering or adoption due to the legal investigation, but they still need help freeing up space at their facility.

Cut 5 (06) “…the new intakes.”

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Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is named to President Trump’s impeachment defense team in the ongoing Senate removal trial.

The Senate will vote on trial rules today, and it looks like this could be a very brief trial in the Upper Chamber, but Johnson says the prosecution will have all the time it needs to make a case.

Cut 6 (11) “…do it.”

Afterward, the President’s team will be allowed to respond.

Johnson vocally defended the administration in the House in his position on the House Intelligence Committee during impeachment hearings. He looks set to reprise that role, but…

Cut 7 (12) “…procedings.”

The Congressman expects the President will be swiftly acquitted of the two impeachment charges. He says the accusations are based on information assembled by Congressman Adam Schiff.

Cut 8 (08) “…paint.”

The trial is now ongoing.

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The US Environmental Protection Agency announces a regulatory program aimed at reducing emissions from heavy-duty engines and vehicles, the first update to standards in nearly 20 years, with the 2027 model year.  Regional administrator Ken McQueen says this is an opportunity to modernize the heavy-duty program.

Cut 9 (09) “…across the country.”

The action comes following petitions from over twenty organizations to revise nitrogen oxide standards.  McQueen says it is estimated that heavy-duty trucks will be responsible for one-third of the nox emissions from the transportation sectors in 2025.

Cut 10 (13) “…matter standards.” 

McQueen says the goal is to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking in the late spring, with a final rule in 2021.

Cut 11 (11) “…the proposed rule.”
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Zion Williamson is set to make his long-awaited NBA debut tomorrow night when the Pelicans host the San Antonio Spurs. Williamson has been sidelined since the preseason after undergoing knee surgery. The 19-year-old phenom is ready to help the Pels get into the playoffs

Cut 12 (08) “…the fun.”

New Orleans has won 10 of its last 14 to move 3.5 games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Tip-off for tomorrow night’s game has been moved to 8:30 to accommodate ESPN’s national TV broadcast and the Smoothie King Center should be packed. NBA fans have been eager to see Williamson play…

Cut 13 (10) “…bring it”

Williamson was expected to return six to eight weeks after undergoing his surgery in October. But he has missed half of the season as the trainers used the time to get Zion’s entire body ready for the NBA grind.

Cut 14 (15) “…through it.”

Louisiana is now without a member of the Long dynasty in public office, the end of a near 100-year tradition. Matt Doyle spoke with the last Long to serve…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Below freezing temps are expected in the Bayou State tomorrow morning. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A new Legislative class was sworn in last week and for the first time in nearly a century, Louisiana finds itself without a member of the Long family serving in public office.

The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long the firecracker leftwing populist who pushed a massive public works program, built Tiger Stadium, but was also impeached. Former Senator Gerald Long…

Cut 3 (11)  “…the bar” 

Huey Long was assassinated in 1935 in the midst of a presidential challenge to FDR, who’s “New Deal” according to Long didn’t go far enough in redistributing wealth.

After Huey a series of Longs, joined state politics at all levels. Gerald Long says the family has a gift for keeping the pulse of state politics…

Cut 4 (09) “…needs.”

Some prominent members of the dynasty include three-term Governor Earl Long, US Senator Earl B Long, US Representatives Speedy, Gillis, and Catherine Long, and State Representative Jimmy Long.

Gerald Long served as a Republican Senator for Natchitoches during his time at the Capitol and says the Longs will be best known for their consistency.

Cut 5 (09) “…others”

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While it is no secret Louisiana residents love King Cake, KingCakeSnob.com, a website dedicated to ranking the tasty seasonal treat, breaks down some of the surprising statistics. Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander says of those polled, people aren’t just satisfied with one serving.

Cut 6 (06) “… a mass number.”

Alexander says people are willing to be patient in long lines to get their hands onto a King Cake.

Cut 7 (10) “…to all year.”

Each King Cake has a plastic baby inside and tradition states that the person getting the slice with the baby buys the next King Cake. Alexander says people have no issue making that purchase.

Cut 8 (07) “…honor the tradition.”

Last year, KingCakeSnob.com received over 3,500 King Cake reviews on 633 different cakes from more than 160 bakeries. Rankings and data collection for this year’s season wraps up February 18.

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A Comeaux High football player is fighting for his life after an alleged attempted car robbery ended with him being shot by two juveniles.

17-year-old Matthew Carter was found unresponsive in his vehicle early Saturday morning when police arrived. Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas on what they know so far…

Cut 9 (12) “shoot him”

The 13 and 14-year-old suspects were arrested for Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.

Dugas says they believe teens attempted to steal the victim’s car, but it may not have been your usual carjacking.

Cut 10 (08) “…victim” 

Dugas says the location of the crime was shocking, as so was the ages of all of the children involved…

Cut 11 (10) “so young”    (2x)

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Winter temperatures have returned to Louisiana. High temps today are in the low 50’s statewide, which is about ten degrees below normal.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says tomorrow morning, expect a freeze north of the I-10/I-12 corridor.

Cut 12 (09) “…this current wave.”

A slight warmup should come Wednesday, but another front will drop temps again and bring rain Thursday. Keim says climatically, this is the coldest part of the year.

Cut 13 (07) “…in late January.”

This week’s cold weather comes on the heels of warm weather last week. Keim says this week is a reminder that winter is not over yet and it won’t be for another few weeks…

Cut 14 (07) “…of cold weather.”

Volunteer Louisiana wants to you make MLK Day a “day-on” instead of a “day-off”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A CDC report shows Louisianans are twice as likely to be sedintary as the rest of the country…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Could Louisiana residents soon be able to purchase lottery tickets online? Kevin Barnhart has the story?

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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It’s Martin Luther King Junior Day, a day off for some and for others a “day on” dedicated to community service. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteers in Louisiana create a billion dollars of economic impact annually, and that number continues to grow.

Cut 4 (09) “…someday.”

If you’re looking for a way to contribute today, Chisham recommends visiting www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or www.mlkday.gov for advice, or just head to the Capital City.

Cut 5 (12) “…projects.”

It’s the 25^th anniversary of the designation of Martin Luther King Day as an official federal holiday, and Chisham says volunteering is the best way to honor this American legend’s life.

Cut 6 (11) “service.”

King would have been 91 today, and was assassinated 51 years ago.

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CDC numbers show 30 percent of Louisianans are considered “inactive”, twice the national average. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says inactivity is defined by not meeting the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity and can be the result of a number of impediments.

Cut 7 (12) “…schedule”

Louisiana also sports one of the highest obesity rates in the nation at 35 percent.

Holston says states with low inactivity rates like Colorado have made an aggressive statewide push to make cities more inviting for physical activity, but those population-dense states have an advantage…

Cut 8 (09) “…cars”

She adds Baton Rouge, in particular, has done a good job of beginning to emulate the more walk and bike-friendly city planning of more active states.

If you are one of those inactive adults, Holston recommends starting slow if you’re first getting into exercise, and find little ways to work it into your busy schedule.

Cut 9 (12) “…spot”

____________________

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says in order to start online sales, the legislature needs to change a state statute that prohibits gambling by computer.

Cut 10 (13) “…meeting that mission.”

Hudson says eleven other state lotteries allow for the purchase of tickets online and with the launch of the Louisiana Lottery app, it’s a great time to explore adding Louisiana to that list.

Cut 11 (09) “…using that app.”

Hudson says with more shoppers making purchases online that that in a line at a brick and mortar store, they need to be able to purchase Louisiana Lottery there as well.

Cut 12 (10) “…growing our business.”

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Senator John Kennedy has co-introduced legislation aimed at combatting the global trade in bear parts along with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. Animal Wellness Action founder Wayne Pacelle says legislative action is needed to protect bears that are being killed for their gallbladders.

Cut 13 (12) “…for Chinese medicine.”

The subspecies known as the Louisiana Black Bear was at one time on the federal endangered species list, but with a bit of growth in the population, but Pacelle says that protection has been taken away.

Cut 14 (10) “…or so in Louisiana.”

Pacelle says the bears are slow to reproduce and cannot keep up with the large scale poaching cases throughout the US.

Cut 15 (13) “…back very quickly.”

Environmental groups sue the Army Corps of Engineers, alleging the organization did not disclose the public health risks of a future St. James Parish plastics plant. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Handing out money to LSU players following the national championship is not the only thing Odell Beckham did following the Tigers’ historic victory. Jeff Palermo has more on the video that shows Beckham spanking a police officer…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A 12-year-old girl is dead and her mother is fighting to stay live following a trailer fire in Lake Charles.  Four people were home at the time of the blaze with three of them still hospitalized.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says firefighters got the call around 10:30 Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (12)  “…into the room.” 

Rodrigue says investigators are considering electrical malfunction as a potential cause, but they are continuing to work through the evidence before ruling anything out.

Cut 4 (10) “…of the trailer.”

Rodrigue says the home did not have working smoke alarms, which could have added critical seconds to the escape.

Cut 5 (13) “…alarms save lives.”

This is the first residential fatal fire in Louisiana of 2020.

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The Army Corps of Engineers has been sued by a coalition of environmental groups for allegedly failing to disclose the public health risks of a plastics plant set for construction in St. James Parish.

The Center for Biological Diversity is one of the plaintiffs and staff attorney Emily Jeffers says the Corp was blatantly disregarding the law when they issued a permit for the Formosa facility.

Cut 6 (10) “discharged”

The Center is being joined by Healthy Gulf, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Rise St. James in the suit.

Jeffers says the plant would pump out greenhouse gases equivalent to three coal power plants, send poisonous waste downriver into New Orleans’ drinking water, and…

Cut 7 (10) “illnesses”

Rise St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne recently told LRN the district is already packed with 12 different industrial projects.

The suit alleges that a full accounting of the public health effects was not done because it would likely have resulted in a rejection of the site’s permit.

Cut 8 (08) “…approve it”

A Corps spokesperson says they cannot comment on litigation.

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Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior’s conduct following the national championship game has him in trouble with the law. The New Orleans Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Beckham for slapping an officer on the rear end. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Beckham’s behavior went too far

Cut 9 (08) “over the place”

There’s a video of the slap which happened during the postgame celebration in LSU’s locker room. Beckham has also been in the news for his money handshakes with a few players after the game. Detillier says O-B-J has been a huge supporter of the LSU football team, but the relationship might need a time out…

Cut 10 (10) “…cool down” 

Beckham’s current team, the Cleveland Browns say their wide receiver is cooperating with the authorities about the incident with the officer and LSU says they are working with the NCAA about the money handshakes. Detillier says any player who still has remaining eligibility will likely be asked to return the money…

Cut 11 (11) “…a year”

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After nearly two years of a trade war, phase one of the trade agreement between the US and China has been signed.  Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the benefit to the state’s economy is unprecedented.

Cut 12 (10) “…trade war began.”

Our largest ag trade partner today is Canada with just under $22 billion.

Strain says the spending increases even more in upcoming years.

Cut 13 (11) “…very very closely.”

Strain says structural reforms will change the goods that China purchases which he says should result in long term stability.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s $850 million.”

The man who helped craft the Tigers NCAA record-breaking offense, passing game coordinator Joe Brady, is reportedly moving on to the NFL. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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UL Lafayette students and recent grads will get the opportunity to work directly with the Saints and the Pelicans as part of newly signed partnerships. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has begun an I-10 widening and improvement project in Calcasieu Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says the work will bump up the capacity and upgrade the surface of the road in the stretch just west of Sulfur.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a $45.5 million project.” 

York says the area is a fairly congested portion of I-10.

Cut 4 (05) “…once we are done.”

Currently, there are three lanes in the stretch and there will be lane closures for the project.  York says the initial phase will see alternating lane closures with many of which will happen at night.

Cut 5 (12) “…to two lanes.”

The project is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2021.

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The US House of Representatives votes to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a month after voting to impeach President Trump.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi withheld the articles after disagreeing with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on how the trial should be held. Senator John Kennedy on the wait…

Cut 6 (04) “farce”

Representatives Schiff, Nadler, and five other Democrats have been named impeachment managers and will prosecute the case in the Senate.

The Speaker attempted to leverage the delay into influence on how the trial would be conducted, but Kennedy says the Constitution is clear about who gets the set the rules for an impeachment trial.

Cut 7 (11) “proceedings”

Democrats cried foul over Senate Republican’s refusal to call certain witnesses or utilize new evidence in the upcoming trial.

Kennedy slammed the House impeachment process, saying the Upper Chamber will be fairer to the President.

Cut 8 (09) “…differently”

The impeachment links back to allegations that the President attempted to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens in exchange for military aid.

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LSU’s passing game coordinator Joe Brady, the man credited with revolutionizing the team’s offense, reportedly agrees to become the next offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

Brady gained national acclaim, winning the Broyles Award for helping construct the Tigers record-breaking offense. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the move makes sense for the 30-year-old.

Cut 9 (10) “offense”

The Tigers broke the NCAA record for points in a season last season at 726.

Higgins says it’s common for championship teams to have their coaching talent poached at the end of every season, and continually finding new talent is what creates long term success.

Cut 10 (08) “…program”

LSU will need to lock in a new passing game coordinator quickly, and Higgins says the next hire may come from within. Higgins says the team is reportedly eying current offensive analyst Jorge Munoz.

Cut 11 (10) “…my room”

Munoz was tasked with crafting the team’s protections and was lauded as indispensable by QB Joe Burrow.

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The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans have each named UL Lafayette as their official higher education partner. UL Lafayette spokesperson Eric Maron says the three-year collaborations will give students and recent grads access to internships, practical career experience, and networking opportunities.

Cut 12 (10) “…off of that.”

The Saints and Pelicans will also fund two annual scholarships for qualifying students.  Maron says hammering out the details of the partnership has been about a year in the making.

Cut 13 (11) “…through the internships.”

Maron says the agreement will allow for UL Lafayette to have advertising signage inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, which could be beneficial in student recruitment.

Cut 14 (10) “…the sporting events.”