A state health official says the number of LSU mumps cases is up to 12 and one of the students living on campus has been quarantined. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A science teacher at Northwestern Middle School in Zachary being held in jail on a $225,000 bond, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

The northern half of the state is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday night as moisture and upper-level disturbances are expected to interact with a cold front to produce locally heavy rainfall. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Jason Hansford says several inches of rain will fall over the next few days…

Cut 3 (06)  “…Wednesday evening” 

There’s also a slight risk for severe weather for central and northeast today and Hansford says more severe weather will roll into the Bayou State on Wednesday.

Cut 4 (12) “…Wednesday evening.”

Hansford says today’s severe weather threat stretches from Lufkin, Texas, across Natchitoches, Ruston, and Monroe and into Mississippi. He says the storms will be isolated…

Cut 5 (10)  “…flooding.”

_______________________

The statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is currently at $2.11, down about a nickel from this time last week and 21 cents from last month.  Uncertainty over tensions between the US and Iran earlier this year resulted in an uptick of prices, but AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the recent drop follows an annual pattern.

Cut 6 (07) “…the whole year.”

A gallon of gas is still about 12 cents higher than this time last year and that gap is closing.  Redman says dropping trend may not last much longer.

Cut 7 (11) “…production even more.”

At $50 per barrel, crude oil prices are at their lowest point in a year.  Redman says an additional factor that could result in an uptick in prices is the transition from winter-grade gas to summer-grade gas.

Cut 8 (07) “…about $2.50 a gallon.”

_________________________________

We’re up to 12 cases in the LSU centered mumps outbreak that was first made public with five cases reported last week.

State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says all students need to receive both doses of the MMR vaccine to protect against further spread, along with the usual health and safety advice.

Cut 9 (10) “…season”

Mumps feels like a particularly nasty cold, and also involves visible swelling of the salivary glands.

Welch says there’s been a nationwide string of mumps outbreaks on college campuses. He says college dorm rooms, parties, and sporting events are perfect places to spread the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “…does” 

An LSU tennis match over the weekend was canceled when it was discovered a tennis player had been infected.

Finding a ground zero in the outbreak has been difficult so far. Welch says that’s because there’s a significant lag between when you are infected, and when you show symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…exposed.”

There is one reported case of a student living on campus who is currently being quarantined in their apartment.

______________________

A science teacher at Northwestern Middle School in Zachary is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.  34-year-old Ellarea Silva is currently on leave after her arrest on Thursday.  Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says the relationship appeared to be a summer fling.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the media.”

Investigators are combing through the evidence on the student’s cell phone.

Silva was arrested Thursday after nearly a week of suspension without school leaders elaborating as to why.  City councilman Lael Montgomery is rallying supporters calling for the resignation or removal of Principal Debby Brian as a result.  The Baton Rouge chapter of the NAACP is expected to back Montgomery, but McDavid says there was not a cover-up in the investigation.

Cut 13 (07) “…and social media.”

McDavid says they are asking parents to talk to their children to see if Silva’s actions extended beyond this one child.

Cut 14 (12) “…investigation on that.”

Silva’s bond is set at $225,000. Silva faces several charges including indecent behavior with a juvenile, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and oral sexual battery.

Stat health officials are responding to a mumps outbreak involving LSU students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

A survey by Innovet Pet finds that 34 percent of pet owners in the Bayou State struggle financially to care for their pets. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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LSU has confirmed five students living off-campus have come down with the mumps. Doctor Frank Welch with the state office of public health says the contagious disease can spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets…

Cut 3 (09)  “…very seriously” 

Welch says they are trying to determine if there’s a connection between the students because they did not live in the same apartment

Cut 4 (12) “…families.”

Welch says you can protect yourself from getting the mumps by receiving two doses of the M-M-R vaccine. He says students should seek treatment if their glands are swollen under their ears or jaw

Cut 5 (09) “…sides.”

_______________________

The Census will be taken this year and then it will be up to the state legislature to draw up new political maps. Lake Charles Republican Stephen Dwight was just named chair of the House Governmental Affairs Committee and he lays out the timeline for when reapportionment discussions will begin.

Cut 6 (10) “…redistricting”

A Census is taken every ten years.

Dwight will join with Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who chairs Senate House and Governmental Affairs, in the effort. He says they’ll tour the state after the Census is conducted.

Cut 7 (11) “…result”

The last reapportionment was not favorable to Louisiana representation as the state lost a Congressional seat. Dwight says it’ll be interesting to find out if our population has recovered.

Cut 8 (07) “…we’ll see.”

The Census is hiring Census takers, and you can apply at 2020-census-dot-gov-slash-jobs.

_________________________________

A survey by Innovet Pet reveals that one in three Louisiana pet owners struggle financially to care for their animals. Elizabeth Sprang, Director of Southern Animal Foundation, a nonprofit vet clinic in New Orleans, says medical costs continue to increase for pet owners.

Cut 9 (11) “…ultrasound machine”

The survey revealed that many pet owners fail to research medical costs associated with being a pet owner. Sprang, can assist low-income pet owners at her non-profit clinic but admits it’s a challenge.

Cut 10 (11) “…everybody else” 

The survey also revealed that 42% pet owners say if they lost their job, they would not have the means necessary to keep their animals. Sprang says some owners have come to her feeling they had no options.

Cut 11 (10) “…can’t afford”

______________________

A slow-moving cold front is providing the state with an active weather today.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a chance for a wintry mix of precipitation in the northwest corner of the state, including the Shreveport area starting with rain tonight.

Cut 12 (12) “…kind of interesting”

Keim says we also have a tornado watch in effect for a large section of the state until 6pm covering Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (08) “…spun up.”

Keim says by tomorrow afternoon the front should be clear of the state and chilly air will settle in.

Cut 14 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

________________

A newly discovered drug in Louisiana known as gray death has the potential to kill someone, just by touching it. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

A Tulane study uncovers data that supports a push to begin colorectal cancer screenings before age 50. Matt Doyle has more.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

A final removal vote in the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump is set for tomorrow, and Senator Bill Cassidy says he will vote against removing the Commander in Chief.

The vote is expected to split along party lines, and Cassidy says that’s evidence the whole process was a partisan exercise.

Cut 3 (12)  “…article one” 

Polls show a near dead even split on public opinion related to impeachment and removal, and Cassidy says you can’t undo an election without a strong consensus.

Cut 4 (09) “…society.”

Cassidy ended his comments by quoting then-Congressman, and now Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer’s 1998 Clinton impeachment speech…

Cut 5 (06) “…prophet.”

Democrats allege the President used military aide pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival, Joe Biden.

_______________________

A new, potentially lethal drug has been discovered in a St. Mary Parish traffic stop.  It’s called “gray death” and it is heroin cut with fentanyl.  St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson David Spencer says different batches contain different levels of fentanyl and just touching it could have bad consequences.

Cut 6 (10) “…play with it.”

Some reports indicate the potency is up to 10,000 times that of morphine.  Spencer says it doesn’t look like heroin that officials are used to seeing on the street.

Cut 7 (09) “…pieces of concrete.”

Spencer says this drug is fairly new, first popping up around Georgia and Alabama in 2017.

Cut 8 (11) “…new to us.”

If someone sees this drug, Spencer says alert authorities.

_________________________________

There’s an active debate in the medical community about whether to start colorectal cancer screenings at 45 or 50, and a study by Tulane indicates starting screenings before 50 may be the better choice.

Tulane Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Jordan Karlitz studied cancer rate increases on a year to year basis, and found a 46 percent increase in diagnoses from ages 49 to 50…

Cut 9 (10) “increase”

The increase from 49 to 50 was particularly noticeable in men, who saw a 53 percent increase in diagnoses.

The study also found 93 percent of cases discovered at age 50 had been growing for quite some time. Karlitz says that’s dangerous.

Cut 10 (07) “radiation” 

Karlitz hopes the study will receive further review and potentially influence policy creators, as well as the public.

Cut 11 (11) “…screened”

______________________

The CDC launches a first of its kind virtual human simulation tool to help cancer survivors adopt healthier behaviors. It’s called Talk to Someone, a place to ask questions and engage in conversations with Linda, a virtual cancer survivor, about a variety of topics, including mental health. Cancer survivor Rebecca Shimkets…

Cut 12 (13) “…I was having.” 

Linda will also talk about issues such as alcohol use, tobacco use, nutrition and fitness to prevent recurrences.  Shimkets says it is a tool that would have been valuable to her upon recovery.

Cut 13 (11) “…that I had.”

There are nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the US, with 22 million projected in ten years. Shimkets says there’s no shame in having challenges and reaching out for help…

Cut 14 (07) “…to reach out.”

Iberville deputies arrest a Plaquimine man for elder abuse after neighbors reported not having seen the victim in months. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

Former St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister has passed away at the age of 73. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

A Texas woman is arrested in Bossier Parish, accused of stealing an ambulance from Dallas.  Louisiana State Police located the stolen ambulance on Interstate 20, about eight miles into the state and attempt a traffic stop.  Trooper Brent Hardy says that’s when 19-year-old Kendall Tyson then kicked up the speed.

Cut 3 (08)  “…encountering slow traffic.” 

The traffic enabled authorities to bring the chase to a stop.  Hardy says her troubles didn’t slow down there.

Cut 4 (08) “…Bossier maximum jail.”

Hardy says the one tool she probably could have used to cut through the traffic was not used during the pursuit.

Cut 5 (06) “…the lights on.”

Tyson is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated flight, resisting by false information, misrepresentation during booking, DWI, and driving without a license.

_______________________

A Plaquemine man is arrested for elder abuse after authorities say they discovered a woman in her 70s in a home lying in a hospital bed covered in filth and animal feces.

Iberville Sheriff Brett Stassi says neighbors reported not having seen the woman for months. When deputies arrived to investigate, they arrested 54-year-old Galen Marcantel after discovering…

Cut 6 (09) “…the house.”

Marcantel has been charged with cruelty to persons with infirmities.

The house was allegedly home to 14 cats and two dogs, and Stassi says it appears they may have been treated better than the victim was.

Cut 7 (08) “…consumption.”

The Sheriff adds this is not the first home authorities have had to remove animals from that Marcantel owned.

Marcantel had allegedly been living with the woman for many months and had barred the victim’s family from checking up on her. Stassi says he was clearly taking advantage of her condition.

Cut 8 (08) “…individual.”

The Governor’s Office for Elderly Affairs reported 1,739 caregiver neglect cases across the state last year.

_________________________________

Pat Brister, one of St. Tammany Parish’s most accomplished public servants has passed away. Brister just completed two terms as Parish President, but also had stints as the State GOP Chairwoman, and President Bush’s 2004 Louisiana Reelection Campaign Chair. St. Tammany Superintendent Trey Folse knew her well, and says his daughter looked up to Brister…

Cut 9 (11) “…family.”

She also served as a parish Councilwoman and Ambassador to the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women.

Folse says during her eight-year tenure as Parish President, which ended after her reelection defeat last year, she was a strong champion for quality public schools.

Cut 10 (11) “of life.” 

Brister was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago.

Brister also helped in the creation of Safe Haven St. Tammany, a mental health center founded in 2018.

Cut 11 (10) “…president”

Brister was 73.

______________________

New Orleans native and former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu is a Super Bowl champion today as he helped Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 in last night’s Super Bowl in Miami. Mathieu had six tackles for K-C and the veteran safety was a pivotal player during the Chiefs championship run

Cut 12 (12) “.   accept the challenges” 

Mathieu tweeted after the game that he can’t wait to hear from his dad, who is in prison serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

Mathieu and the Chiefs found themselves down 20-10 in the fourth quarter, but the defense helped spark a comeback and a 21-0 run by Kansas City…

Cut 13 (11) “…progressed”

Its Kansas City’s first NFL championship in 50 years. Many analysts say this could be the start of a dynasty as Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes just completed his third season. Mathieu is anxious to defend their title

Cut 14 (09) “…(laugh).”

A Tulane study conducted in Texas shows minorities face longer wait times, and more questions when attempting to make an appointment with a primary care doctor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana’s second-largest craft beer brewery is opening a taproom that will also serve as a research and development facility in Houston.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Democrats may have lost big in last fall’s House legislative races, but their alliance with moderate Republicans in the Speaker election appears to have paid off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

A Tulane survey of primary care appointment wait times finds compared to white callers, minorities have three to seven day longer wait times to get a call back for scheduling.  Soon-to-be Tulane research assistant professor Brig Walker says minority callers also faced more questions…

Cut 4 (12) “…callers.”

The field study was conducted in Texas, where Tulane recruited Hispanic, black, and white callers who placed appointment requests with 800 primary care offices.

Hispanics faced a three day longer wait, and blacks a seven day longer wait than similar white patients. Walker says that can have a serious impact on health outcomes.

Cut 5 (09) “…delays.”

Walker says these findings could help reduce discrimination in healthcare appointment scheduling and possibly help shift the industry to more automation.

Cut 6 (10) “…accsess.”

_____________________________

New Orleans-based Urban South Brewery is opening its first satellite location. Louisiana’s second-largest craft beer brewery is opening a taproom that will also serve as a research and development facility in Houston. Houston location taproom manager Marin Slanina says the expansion has been in the work for about two years.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Houston area.”

Slanina says unique flavors for the Houston location, but they do plan on bringing over some of the New Orleans brews like the Holy Roller IPA and putting a Texas twist on them.

Cut 8 (09) “…New Orleans location.”

Slanina says the company is keeping a finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving craft beer industry and says that could result in some beers created at the Houston location making its way to taps at the mothership location.

Cut 9 (09) “…to New Orleans.”

The grand opening is February 29^th.

____________________

Assignments for two key House committees are in and Democrats have increased their representation relative to the last term thanks to the bipartisan coalition that elected Speaker Clay Schexnayder.Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s their reward for backing Schexnayder.

Cut 10 (12) “…feat.”

A majority of Republicans backed Albany’s Sherman Mack, considered more conservative than Schexnayder.

The coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats now narrowly controls Ways and Means and Appropriations, and Pinsonat says that could stymie conservative priorities, causing inter-GOP friction…

Cut 11 (09) “…repairable.”

Appropriations is where the state budget starts, and Ways and Means covers tax issues.

The Senate saw a total takeover by conservatives, so it’s still unlikely many Democratic priorities will make it the Governor, but they now may be more likely to make it to the House floor than last year.

Cut 12 (09) “…agree on”

The pro-Schexnayder coalition has a 13-12 edge in Appropriations, and a 14-4 lead in Ways and Means.

_____________________________________

About 300 needle incineration devices are being distributed to first responders in East Baton Rouge, Terrebonne, and Point Coupee parishes.  The device is the SANDD-mini, which stands for sharps and needles destruction device.  CEO of Redhawk Holdings, the company behind the device, Darcy Klug says it’s simple to operate.

Cut 13 (10) “…at 4000 degrees.”

Klug says while the needle is destroyed, it doesn’t tamper with any possible evidence.

Cut 14 (11) “…needle stick injury.”

The device has the potential to save taxpayer dollars.  Klug says a single needle stick injury can top $30k in workers comp costs, even if a first responder doesn’t contract a disease such as Hep C or HIV.

Cut 15 (12) “…of taxpayer dollars.”

More parishes are expected to obtain the devices in teh near future.

__________________________________________

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball is on a four-game winning streak and the Bulldogs have moved into a first place tie with North Texas for first place in Conference. Tech won a thriller on Saturday, a 76-73 victory over Old Dominion. Senior DaQuan Bracey was the hero as he hit a step back three with one second for the win…

Cut 16  (11)  …put in” 

The Dunkin Dogs have a big game Thursday as they visit Western Kentucky, who is in third place, one game back of the Bulldogs and Mean Green. Konkol says when you are on top of the league standings, you will get every team’s best shot

Cut 17  (19) “contested games” 

________________________________________________________

LSU is 8-0 in SEC play after Saturday’s 73-63 win over over Ole Miss. The Tigers had 40 points in the first half and sophomore guard Javonte Smart had 21 points in the win. LSU Coach Will Wade says Smart was ready for the 11 AM tip…

cut 18  (15) ” for him”   

LSU has two games on the road this week. They are at Vanderbilt on Wednesday, who is winless in league play and then they travel to Auburn, who just beat Kentucky. Wade says there is still a long way to go in the season…

cut 19 (20)  get better”  

The Tigers have a two-game lead over Auburn and Kentucky for first place in the SEC. Smart on trying to win back-to-back regular season titles…

cut 20 (10) “ continue to win”    

A Sulpher middle school teacher takes home a Music Educator Grammy for his work in the classroom. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

The split LHSAA playoffs will remain in place after high school principals failed to approve proposals to bring the association back together. Jeff Palermo has more….

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur is home to a Grammy winner in Mickey Smith, who was honored with the Music Educator Award. Smith says he received the award for his work at a school he grew up just a few blocks away from…

Cut 3 (12)  “teaching” 

The educator will receive a 10,000 dollar honorarium with a matching school grant.

Smith was nominated and ultimately won, due to his charity work providing kids with instruments, and his ability to massively expand Maplewood’s music program.

Cut 4 (11) “…to watch”

His charity is MusicMakers2U and can be found at his website MickeySmithJr.com

Smith came onto the Grammy’s radar after he was nominated by Sulphur local, two time Grammy nominee Sean Ardoin, who’s known for his work in creole rock and roll…

Cut 5 (11) “…classroom”

_______________________

AAA is warning of the potential impacts that legalization of recreational marijuana could have on Louisiana roadways ahead of the legislative session that begins in March.  AAA spokesperson Don Redman says in the five years prior to the state of Washington legalizing recreational use, 9% of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for THC.

Cut 6 (11) “…impaired on marijuana.”

Redman says lawmakers need to consider the serious ramifications as laws against driving high will be very hard to enforce and impairment tricky to determine once recreational use is legal.

Cut 7 (09) “…are being abused.”

Redman says drivers are already very nonchalant about toking and driving as 70% think they won’t be caught, and it has the potential to get worse.

Cut 8 (13) “…on the highways.”

_________________________________

Louisiana State Police added 51 Troopers to its force as their 99th cadet class graduated Friday. State Police Lt Nick Manale says the newly inducted cadets underwent 23 weeks of intense training and their education doesn’t stop there….

Cut 9 (09) “…out their career.”

During the 23-weeks of training at the Louisiana State Police Academy cadets undergo a combination of both classroom and physical drills.  Manale says the cadets also receive plenty of hands-on instruction.

Cut 10 (12) “regimen.” 

Manale says they are prepping for their historic 100^th cadet class at the LSP Academy and graduation day is a momentous occasion for every trooper.

Cut 11 (11) “…very challenging.”

For more information on becoming a state trooper visit lsp.org/recruit.html

______________________

Proposals to end the public-private school split in postseason play for football, basketball, baseball, and softball high school sports failed to pass on the final day of the LHSAA annual convention. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has worked for the last five years to end the split

Cut 12 (12) “.   right now” 

Bonine says they are about 50 votes short shy of ending the split.

A majority of principals voted for North Vermilion High School principal Tommy Byler’s proposal to bring the association back together. It would have created six classes and eight in all other sports and many select schools would play at a higher classification. But Byler’s proposal needed to receive a two-thirds vote in favor…

Cut 13 (13) “…be the start”

High School principals can not vote again on another proposal to unify the association until next year. Bonine says in the meantime they’ll look to better define what a select or private school is

Cut 14 (09) “…all sports.”

________________

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” 

_____________________

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.”

___________________________

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.

_______________________

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.

_________________________________

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.

______________________

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” 

_____________________

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.”

___________________________

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.
_______________________

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.”

_________________________________

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.
______________________

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.

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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. 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”