The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp regulation on a state level, so could we see it legalized in Louisiana? Matt Doyle talked to one group pushing to make it happen…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The LHSAA Annual Convention begins today in Baton Rouge and there’s a proposal up for debate that would let select or private schools hold their football championships at a venue other than the Superdome. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A New Orleans lawyer is taking the side of the Saints in the courtroom an attempt to get NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to provide answers following the Burglary on the Bayou.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An organization is gearing up to push for hemp legalization in Louisiana after the 2018 Farm Bill let states start regulating it. Louisiana Industrial Hemp Alliance Representative Arthur Walker says it’s a lucrative cash crop that currently has to be mostly imported, and is found in a range of products.

Cut 4 (11) “…can do.”

According to PEW, 19 states harvested industrial hemp last year, but only 25,000 total acres. Walker says it’s a hearty crop that can sprout up just about anywhere, so Louisiana’s fertile lands would be perfect.

Cut 5 (09) “…ideal.”

Some lawmakers have expressed concern that allowing hemp would lead to kids using recreational marijuana.

When most people hear hemp, they think pot, which historically has kept the plant from taking root. Walker says while hemp is related to marijuana, they are not the same, and industrial hemp cannot get you stoned.

Cut 6 (10) “…you high.”

The state legislature would have to pass a regulatory bill for hemp growth to be allowed here.

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The Saints Super Bowl hopes isn’t the only thing going cold in the Bayou State this week as more cold air moves into the state today.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says with this latest front you’ll need to dress warm for the next few days and arm yourself with an umbrella for today

Cut 7 (08) “…said and done.”

Keim says the northern parishes have already seen a massive drop in temps compared to yesterday afternoon.

Cut 8 (07) “…across northern parishes.”

Keim says by this afternoon the front will have crossed the state and the cold temps will continue to drop throughout the afternoon and into tomorrow as well.

Cut 9 (07) “…across northern parishes.″

Keim says it’s not atypical to receive this type of arctic blast at this time of the year.

_________________________________

There’s a push at this week’s Louisiana High School Athletic Association annual convention to allow schools in the “select” divisions, generally private schools, the ability to choose their own championship game locations. Teurlings Catholic principal Mike Boyer says ideally, “select” teams could host the championship at the higher seeded team’s home field to save on stadium rental costs.

Cut 10 (10) “non-revenue sports”

The move was inspired in part by disappointing revenue for high schools in the 2017 state football championships, a year where the cost to rent the Superdome increased significantly.

Opponents argue that would likely mean student-athletes from select schools would not have the chance to play at big, nationally recognized venues for their championship games. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says depriving select school kids of a trip to the Superdome is wrong

Cut 11 (11) “…argument wise.”

The other “split division sports” include baseball, softball, and girls and boys basketball, and they all have predetermined championship venues.

Boyer says he understands the argument about keeping kids out of the dome, but believes students are not motivated by the venue, they’re motivated by the title.

Cut 12 (07) “…might be.”

Many select schools have indicated that they do not think they need the rest of the LHSAA to hold a select school vote on the matter, but Bonnie disagrees. He says the whole argument is a moot point, because the constitution of the LHSAA would prevent such an action.

Cut 13 (09) “…gonna play.”

The convention begins today and a vote on the proposal to separate championship venues will take place Friday.

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Lawsuits have been filed against the NFL over Sunday’s NFC Championship game. New Orleans Attorney Frank D’Amico says the non pass interference call in the final two minutes of regulation was egregious and demands recourse…

Cut 14 (10) “…courts by Monday.”

An NFL rule gives NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell the  authority to call the two teams back to the Superdome and resume the game from the point where the penalty should have been called. D’Amico says that’s the goal of his suit…

Cut 15 (10) “…from that point.”

D’Amico says the legal action is not a stretch as the no-call appeared to be a deliberate action and an example of a business not operating fairly by its customers.

Cut 16 (14) “…not doing so..″

A Lafayette attorney is seeking an injunction to stop the Super Bowl. Legal analysts say these suits are not expected to be successful.

Governor Edwards has penned a letter to Goodell, expressing his disappointment with the outcome of the game as well.  Edwards said while he doubts Goodell will change the outcome of the game, he suggested Goodell and owners should make sure there is some recourse on the field to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

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The 25th ranked LSU men’s basketball team shoots for its eighth straight victory tonight when they host Georgia. The Tigers are 4-0 in league play, while the Bulldogs are 1-and-4. But Coach Will Wade says his team better not be complacent tonight…

 cut 17 (18)   “..play better” 

Wade says his team is playing with great rhtyem during this seven-game winning streak and the chemistry is great too…

Cut 18 (16)  get better” 

LSU enters this game ranked 25th in the country. It’s the first time they’ve been in the Top 25 since November. Wade says when you start receiving national recognition, you can’t let off the gas pedal…

Cut 19 (20)   “…first go around”

The bayou burglary during the NFC Championship game has resulted in a Covington eye doctor’s social media post going viral. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could call for a re-do of Sunday’s NFC Championship game. Jeff Palermo reports the league’s rule book…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A Covington optometrist has seen a social media post spread like wildfire after yesterday’s bayou burglary.  The eye doctor made the post following the controversy that cost the black and gold a chance at the Super Bowl.  Dr. Jeff Anastasio says he initially did it to get a few laughs.

Cut 3 (11) “…going through now.”

Anastasio says although initially posted in jest, the offer still stands for NFL referees, but he doesn’t seem to believe too many will take him up on the offer.

Cut 4 (07) “…of next season.″

Anastasio says other than yesterday’s fiasco, he still believes overall the refs do a decent job.

Cut 5 (12) “…it was blatant.”

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Can we expect the use of replay expanded in the NFL after the league admits the refs missed a pass interference call in the final two minutes of regulation in Sunday’s NFC Championship game? NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says using instant replay to review penalties will be discussed by the league’s owners, but how much to expand could be a sticking point

Cut 6 (08) “…on a play.”

According to the Washington Post, the NFL competition committee will look to make pass interference reviewable when it meets this offseason. But Detillier is not expecting a quick change to the rule book…

Cut 7 (12) “…the NFL”

The report also says the competition committee will consider other calls that coaches feel should be subject to a review. Saints quarterback Drew Brees said after Sunday’s devastating loss that he doesn’t know how far the potential expanded use of instant replay should go…

Cut 8 (11) “…that was P-I.”

(It would take 75-percent of the owners to approve changes to the NFL video review system.)

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President Donald Trump is offering three years of legal protection for immigrants brought to America as children in exchange for 5.7 billion dollars in wall funding, in the latest bid to end the month long government shutdown. Democrats refused the deal, citing their opposition to the border wall expansion, but Senator John Kennedy says that item is non-negotiable.

Cut 9 (08) “oclock″

In September of 2017, the President rescinded legal protections for those “DREAMers” implemented by the Obama Administration.

Kennedy, who backs the border wall construction, says it’s a deal he supports, and if enough Democrats get on board, he’d vote for it and end the shutdown.

Cut 10 (06) “…progress.

Democrats in the House have passed a spending bill that would reopen the government, a bill that includes 1.3 billion for enhance border security, but not for physical wall construction. Kennedy says he hopes the offer can peel off a few of them.

Cut 11 (10) “the table.”

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The belief among many in the Bayou State is that the Saints had to beat the Rams and refs to win the NFC Championship game. The non-pass interference call in the final two minutes of regulation goes down as one of the worst no calls in sports. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says he’s used to not getting the calls

Cut 12 (11)   “…the Saints”

Before the controversial no call, it appeared wide receiver Ted Ginn Junior made a catch to set up the Saints for a game winning score. Ginn says he gets no solace that the NFL has admitted it blew the call

Cut 13 (07) “…what is is.”

Louisiana and New Orleans Entergy customers will see a few bucks knocked off their bills for the next few months…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana has completed the process of issuing February food stamps a couple of weeks early. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A bicyclist allegedly assaulted an Alexandria Police officer with the officer’s own TASER, then held a gun to that officer’s head after stopped for a traffic violation. 51-year-old Vernon Holden was arrested as a result. Corporal Wade Bourgeois says the violent confrontation began when the officer tried to issue a routine citation…

Cut 3 (12) “…confrontation.”

After chasing down Mr. Holden after the traffic stop, Bourgeois says the officer attempted to subdue the suspect with non-lethal force…

Cut 4 (08) “…the officer″

Bourgeois says after wrestling the TASER away from the officer and then turning the stun gun back on the cop, Holden escalated the situation by threatening to murder the officer he had subdued.

Cut 5 (10) “…that happened.”

After Holden retreated, backup arrived and a search ensued. He was later apprehended in a nearby storage shed. Police say they’ve retrieved the weapon used against the officer as well.

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There have been three announcements of job losses for the city of Zachary in East Baton Rouge over the last week. Thompson Pipe Group will close its manufacturing plant, which will affect 120 employees. Georgia Pacific is laying off 650 workers at its Port Hudson paper mill and BASF will close a chemical plant in Zachary that employs 54. Governor Edwards says the state can help impacted workers

Cut 6 (10) “…to work.”

Edwards says there are other Baton Rouge area employers looking for workers…

Cut 7 (14) “…open there.”

IBM is hosting a career fair in Lafayette for I-T specialty jobs at its Baton Rouge Client Innovation Center from 9 AM to 2 PM at South Louisiana Community College. They are looking to fill 75 available positions. Edwards says the state’s economy is strong and if you’ve been laid off, there are options…

Cut 8 (10) “…that done.”

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Federal regulators have ordered Entergy to pay back customers in Louisiana and other states 135 million dollars for over charges. Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says that means the average customer will see a few bucks knocked off their January, February, and March bill.

Cut 9 (08) “of months″

That average customer uses 1,300 kilowatt hours a month.

Sabatini says tens of millions of dollars from that settlement are on their way to the Bayou State in the form of refunds.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well”

The refund will appear as a “fuel credit” on your bill.

The refund is related to a suit that was filed by the Louisiana Public Service Commission in 2009, challenging a business deal made by Entergy Arkansas from 2000-2009.

Cut 11 (11) “…agreement”

That deal benefited shareholders, but lead to higher charges in Louisiana.

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A steel-covered walkway is being installed at the entrance of the state capitol to protect visitors from falling pieces of mortar from the 86-year-old building. Division of administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says the structural integrity of the capitol is good, unfortunately small pieces of the mortar are flaking off

Cut 12 (10)   “…again.”

Berry says the state legislature will have to appropriate the 40 to 60-million dollars to repair the falling mortar, so in the meantime, a temporary covered walkway will protect those going through the capitol’s front doors

Cut 13 (07) “…like that.”

Berry says the Capitol is a National Historic Landmark, so they hope the legislature will fund the money that’s needed to fix the 34-story building…

Cut 14 (12) “…the entire world..”

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Three men have been arrested in connection with last week’s shooting death of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne.  Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says they are preparing to fight back against any attempts to raise revenue to fund the Governor’s proposed 1,000 dollar teacher raises.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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Three men have been arrested in connection with last week’s shooting death of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne. Payne’s boyfriend and father of her young child, 26-year-old Treveon Anderson, claims he was home when he heard gunshots and ran outside to shoot at a suspect. But Police Chief Ben Raymond says evidence later debunked that story.

Cut 3 (07) “…an unknown suspect.”

Raymond says two other men arrested, 22-year-old Lawrence Pierre and 38-year-old Glenn Frierson, are considered accomplices.  He adds more arrests are possible.

Cut 4 (08) “…charges will follow″

Raymond says the three arrested are currently facing second degree murder charges.  He credits the work of all agencies involved in the captures.

Cut 5 (10) “…harm anyone else.”

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For weeks we have seen gas prices on the decline but now they are heading back in the other direction. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says the price at the pump nearly jumped three cents overnight…

Cut 6 (11) “…climb.”

Redman says prices are typically their lowest around this time of year because of a healthy supply of gasoline paired with low demand but crude oil prices have been rising…

Cut 7 (08) “…future.”

Redman says even with the price of crude oil rising you shouldn’t expect any huge jumps in prices until the start of summer…

Cut 8 (11) “…gallon.”

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says they are preparing to fight back against any attempts to raise revenue to fund the Governor’s proposed 1,000 dollar teacher, and 500 dollar school support personnel pay raise. President Stephen Waguespack, on AM Baton Rouge, says unnamed leaders have mentioned their support a pay raise tax.

Cut 9 (11) “like this″

Governor Edwards says no new taxes will be needed to fund the pay raise, which he estimates can be paid for by additional revenue from a surging economy.

Waguespack says he supports some form of a raise for teachers, but did not confirm supporting the raise for support personnel. Still, he says Louisiana teachers actually fare better than their counterparts when you factor in the total compensation package offered.

Cut 10 (09) “…address that”

Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon could not confirm that claim.

Instead of a flat raise for all Bayou State teachers, Waguespack, the business lobbyist, supports utilizing the same amount of funds, or fewer, to reward teachers who he feels perform better than their peers.

Cut 11 (10) “…good thing”

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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says she was only kidding when she said  “Anybody but the Saints” when asked, who she would like to see in the Super Bowl. Bottoms addressed the minor controversy at a pre-Super Bowl press conference for the February 3rd game…

Cut 12 (12)   “…it was a joke.”

New Orleans City Councilman Jay Banks stood up for Saints fans by saying the Atlanta mayor is still upset her team blew a 25-point lead in the 2017 Super Bowl. Bottoms says it was a just when she said she didn’t want the Saints in the Super Bowl, but Saints have to understand where she’s coming from…

Cut 13 (12) “…come to Atlanta.”

Bottoms says she wants to make it clear, she welcomes fans from all 32 teams to Atlanta for the Super Bowl….

Cut 14 (12) “…the entire world..”

Two trucking companies involved in the fatal Florida interstate crash that killed five Marksville children are being sued…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is celebrating 50 years with a star-studded lineup.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (28) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

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The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies involved in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says his office is conducting its own investigation into the tragedy.

Cut 3 (10) “…discovered”

Eagles Express Lines and New Prime, have been named in the suit, along with their two drivers who died in the crash. Fried says they hope to recover damages for the family of 14-year-old Jeremiah Wright, against one, or all of the parties involved.

Cut 4 (10) “…the investigation″

Reports several days after the wreck noted one of the drivers had been cited several times for his driving, but Fried says it’s too early to confirm that information.

Fried says he’s interested in getting a close look at the history of the companies, and safety policies at both of the trucking corporations involved. He says hopefully if there are systemic safety issues at one or both of the companies, the suit can force the companies to address them.

Cut 5 (10) “…happen”

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The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest has unveiled its lineup, and it features some of the biggest names in music. Festival producer Quint Davis says there are no shortage of acts to grab the attention of festival enthusiasts. Pop superstar Katy Perry will perform during the first weekend of the festival and a legendary act rumored is now confirmed….

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

While the clear cut headliner is The Rolling Stones, Davis explains the undercard isn’t too bad either.

Cut 7 (11) “…Trombone Shorty.”

Davis says the rest of the US tour for the Stones has been sold out for months, but says locals will get the first opportunity to buy tickets this week.

Cut 8 (13) “…for only Louisianians.”

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When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

Cut 9 (11) “…Saints.″

Bottoms also added “I know there’s going to be a bounty on my head for saying that”, as she reportedly smiled.

And if the Saints power past the Rams for this Sunday’s NFC Championship clash, they’ll be taking that trip to Atlanta. Romig says it’s a wonderful city, and luckily for the Black and Gold Nation, easy to get to.

Cut 10 (09) “…bus services.”

Romig says the rivalry is an economically beneficial one for both cities, as fans travel back and forth, sometimes several times a year. He says if the Saints are not in the Super Bowl when New Orleans hosts again, he’d love to have Dirty Bird fans visit the Big Easy for the Big Game.

Cut 11 (10) “…New Orleans”

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Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are still trying to determine the cause

Cut 12 (09)   “…wood burning stove.” 

Investigators believe the fire originated in the home’s living room and the victim was using a wood-burning stove to produce heat. Rodrigue has this advice for others who use a wood-burning fireplace or stove…

Cut 13 (09) “…combustible items.”

The blaze started around 3:15 Monday afternoon. Rodrigue says when State Fire Marshal investigators arrived, local firefighters were still extinguishing the fire

Cut 14 (12) “…92nd birthday.”

As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients can expect February benefits coming this week.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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If you are looking forward to trying some great new Louisiana craft beers, the government shutdown is slowing down the release of those brews. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A Southeastern Louisiana communications professor says the 128 decibels measured in the dome during Sunday’s Saints win was nearly as loud as a thunder crack at it’s source. Fans watching the game on Fox got a little taste of that roar…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser laid out the Office of Tourism’s goals for 2019 in a speech at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Nungesser says he wants to build on international tourism. Recently, international flights from Germany and London started offering service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International airport and bringing in more out of country visitors could mean big bucks for Louisiana…

Cut 4 (12) “…traveled.” 

Nungesser is also looking at ways to bring in more dollars to help improve tourist destinations like state parks. He says there are around 15 public-private partnerships near completion, but before they can be finalized he needs the legislature’s help.

Cut 5 (09) “…do.”

And Nungesser says he wants to keep the relationship alive between New Orleans and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve. The past three years the popular TV program featured the Big Easy on New Year’s Eve, with a television audience of 20-30 million viewers. He says the contract to have the show in NOLA has reached its end and he wants it renewed.

Cut 6 (11) “…year.”

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As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients turns to what they can expect as the SNAP program is federally funded. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says February benefits are coming this week.

Cut 7 (09) “…100% federally funded.”

Guillory says there is uncertainty as to what happens with the program beyond February.

Cut 8 (09) “…anything about March.”

Guillory says it’s important for recipients to know these are not extra benefits and theses will be the only benefits they receive for February.

Cut 9 (11) “…these benefits accordingly.″

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The federal government shutdown is impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says brewers are not able to get product labels approved during the shutdown, so some of the seasonal beers are being put on hold.

Cut 10 (09) “…back a bit.”

Knott says some of the new breweries that were hoping to have opened in the time since the shutdown, but now they are at a standstill.

Cut 11 (10) “…45 days delayed.”

Knott says the time in which a brewery only needed to release a few beers each year is in the past, so the shutdown is making it impossible for brewers to cater to the demand of consumers.

Cut 12 (10) “…shutdown is over.”

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Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels. Southeastern Louisiana communications professor Joe Burns says it’s a remarkable feat, because exposure to any sound over 100-120 Db can be painful, and prolonged exposure can result in damage to your hearing.

Cut 13 (11) “…of loudness.”

The NFL Db record is held by Seattle for a 137 decibel outburst in 2017, but Burns says that number is questionable because even momentary exposure to 140 Db may result in deafness.

Decibels increase logarithmically, and to put 128 decibels in perspective, the average conversation is 60 decibels, and a chainsaw is about 110. Burns says an acquaintance of his runs sound for the Essence Fest, and their maximum sound level sits far below what Saints fans accomplished.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s insane.”

The Rock School radio host says crowds certainly can impact games, as feeling that 128 decibels at field level, with a helmet on, would be disorienting.

Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage. Still, if you’re bringing your children to the Rams NFC Championship clash this Sunday, he has a suggestion….

Cut 15 (11) “….to you”

The World Health Organization recommends children not be exposed to any noise above 120 decibels.

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Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the Saints and Rams is a rematch of a November 4th game won by New Orleans 45-35. But since that game, Los Angeles has developed a two-headed run attack with Todd Gurley and recently signed CJ Anderson. Saints Coach Sean Payton is impressed with how the Rams ran the ball in their playoff win over Dallas…

Cut 16 (11)  “…defended the run.”

L-A rushed for 273 yards on Saturday in a 30-22 win over Dallas. The Rams defense held the Cowboys to 50 yards rushing. Coach Sean Payton says L-A has one of the game’s best defensive lines led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald…

 cut 17 (16)   “…tape here.” 

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LSU will look to remain unbeaten in SEC play tonight when the Tigers travel to Oxford to face the 18th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Ole Miss moved up into the Top 25 in the latest poll by beating two ranked teams last week, Auburn and Mississippi State. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Rebels have the best backcourt in the SEC, which is a major concern…

Cut 18 (17)   SEC games” 

Ole Miss is led by Breein Tyree, who is averaging almost 18 points a game. Terence Davis and Deveontae Shuler are also averaging double figures. Wade says it’s hard to slow down all three of them…

Cut 19 (20)   “…for us”

A Shreveport Conservative, known for his last second filibuster that prevented the Legislature from voting on a revenue bill to fund state government in June says he’s running to be the next Speaker of the House…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, five percent of doctors visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

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Shreveport attorney and state representative Alan Seabaugh says he’s abandoning his quest to become a federal judge in favor of seeking re-election to the legislature, and then run to be the next House Speaker. Seabuagh, one of the most conservative House members, opposed the tax plan that funded state government in the last session, and says he would bring that same mentality to the leadership position.

Cut 3 (10) “…priorities”

The Shreveport Republican is noted for his last second “filibuster” that ended a special session before a vote could be held on a revenue plan to fully fund state government.

Stuart Bishop of Lafayette, Barry Ivey of Baton Rouge, and Sherman Mack of Albany are also in the running for Speaker in the Republican controlled House. Seabaugh says while he doesn’t think the legislature is reflective of Louisiana values, he doesn’t hold anything against the last speaker, Taylor Barras.

Cut 4 (10) “…governor″

Seabaugh says he hopes John Bel Edwards will be pushed out of the Governor’s Mansion in the 2019 election, so that the next speaker can focus on passing Republican priority legislation. But, when asked if the Democratic governor does win reelection, if he would be willing to work in a bi-partisan fashion…

Cut 5 (07) “…three years”

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President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today and promised to iron out trade deals that will be benefical for farmers. Mr. Trump says these new deals will make it easier to trade with Canada and other countries where  it’s currently difficult to do so

Cut 6 (08) “…immediately”

The President also made his case on why a border wall is needed. Congressional Democrats have refused to go along with spending 5-point-7 billion dollars to build a physical barrier between the U-S and Mexico. Mr. Trump says Democratic leadership is playing politics

Cut 7 (11) “Congressional election”

There were several hundred demonstrators outside of the Morial Convention Center where the president spoke. The protesters called for an end to the government shutdown and chanted “Build Bridges Not Walls.” But Mr. Trump says a border wall provides the U-S with the security it needs…

Cut 8 (10) “…America’s doors”

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the upswing as five percent of doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Louisiana is among several hotspots in the southeast.  LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says it’s typical for flu to start in certain areas and spread throughout the nation.

Cut 9 (06) “…go first I guess.″

Welch says right after the holidays is when an upswing in flu takes place as Louisiana has the perfect storm for spreading the illness.

Cut 10 (06) “…Mardi Gras activities.”

Welch says if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they haven’t missed the boat.

Cut 11 (08) “…be fully protected.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says there is a rise in horse abuse cases throughout the state.  H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says rarely does a day go by the animal protection group doesn’t get a call about one or more horses being mistreated, estimating they deal with at least a thousand cases annually.

Cut 12 (09)   “…actually delicate creatures.” 

Dorson says part of the issue is an endless cycle from the horse racing industry with an oversupply of horses being turned over to new owners without the proper credentials to care for the animals.

Cut 13 (12) “…one or two.”

Dorson says horse ownership can be overwhelming to those that don’t know what they are getting into.

Cut 14 (13) “…maintenance for horses.”

New polling data puts Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating at 49-percent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New data shows that the Acadiana area lost 11-thousand jobs from 2008 to 2018 in the Acadiana area…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Jeff Palermo”  

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are investigating what appears to be a murder suicide that left a married couple dead, and their son injured.  Sheriff Tony Mancuso says deputies were dispatched to a home in south Lake Charles early Friday morning regarding a man stabbing his son.

Cut 3 (12) “…in danger inside.”

Deputies found 52-year-old David Pendley dead along with his 59-year-old wife, Katherine. The son has been released from the hospital. Mancuso says it appears the father stabbed his wife and son and then stabbed himself…

Cut 4 (06) “…murder suicide″

Mancuso says the son survived the attack, but this family will never be the same…

Cut 5 (09) “…unfortunate”

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A poll finds that about half of Louisiana voters approve of Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance. Morning Consult, which polls the popularity of governors, found Edwards has a 49-percent approval rating, 30-percent disapprove and 21-percent are undecided. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley

Cut 6 (10) “…Republican state”

Stockley says Edwards is doing well as a Democrat in the red state, because of his pro-gun and pro-life stance and his ability to bring budget stability…

Cut 7 (09) “surplus year”

Edwards is up for re-election on October 12th and there are two announced Republican challengers. Stockley says a positive approval rating is one thing, but getting re-elected as a Democrat in a red state is a whole different story…

Cut 8 (09) “…on his hands”

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Despite the recent talk of a slight uptick in the oil and gas business, when comparing 2008 to 2018, nearly 11,000 jobs were lost in the Acadiana area from the 24,000 oil jobs in 2008.  President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority Gregg Gothreaux says the drop in the oil industry has seen a domino effect in job losses in other sectors.

Cut 9 (13) “…have lost jobs.″

Gothreaux says while much of the loss is linked to the drop in oil prices, about a thousand jobs were lost due to changes in the energy industry.

Cut 10 (11) “…in oil prices.”

Gothreaux says many of the workers are diverse in their skills and have found jobs with petrochemical projects.  He adds with the volatility of this oil industry, any comeback would likely be modest.

Cut 11 (09) “…changed so much.”

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It’s the Saints and the Eagles in an NFC divisional round playoff game on Sunday in the Dome. It looked like Philadelphia’s season was over when the Black and Gold dismantled them 48-7 in November. Saints linebacker Demario Davis says he’s not surprised to see the Eagles again in the postseason…

Cut 12 (11)   “…shoulder” 

Philly quarterback Nick Foles has led the team on a four game winning streak after starter Carson Wentz suffered a back injury in December. But Saints running back Alvin Kamara says they have quarterback Drew Brees…

Shreveport police are on the search for suspects responsible for the shooting death of one of their own officers.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A stalwart of the North Baton Rouge business community announces plans to lay off at least 650 workers from its Port Hudson paper facility…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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President Donald Trump will visit New Orleans on Monday, so he can speak at the American Farm Bureau Convention. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson is glad to see the President will be at their centennial convention…

Cut 3 (11) “…this country.”

Rice and soybean farmers say the tariffs and now the government shutdown have hurt their ability to make money off their crop. There’s also concern among producers about whether documented workers living in Mexico can return for the growing season. Anderson says farmers are eager to hear from the president…

Cut 4 (11) “…right here″

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A female Shreveport Police officer is dead after being shot multiple times outside of a home last night around 8:30 as she was on her way to start her shift.  The officer was identified as Chateri Payne, who had graduated from the police academy in November.  Police Chief Ben Raymond says the murder of an officer is a catastrophic event to a law enforcement agency.

Cut 5 (10) “…this uniform everyday.”

Raymond says at this time, law enforcement agencies from all across the northern portion of the state are assisting in the investigation and adds they are looking for the public’s help as well.

Cut 6 (06) “…killers to justice.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins had a message for officers who may be a little on edge about putting on the uniform after an incident of this nature.

Cut 7 (10) “in the world”

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A Bossier City mother and daughter are dead after an overnight double homicide shooting allegedly by the daughter’s boyfriend. Public Information Officer Traci Landry says officer’s arrived to a tragic scene after getting an 8:30PM call from a neighbor who heard gunshots.

Cut 8 (09) “…wounds”

22-year-old Shandrell and 40-year-old Maeisha Simoneaux are believed to have been murdered by the father of Shandrell’s two kids, 22-year-old Frederick Jackson, who has been arrested. Landry says it didn’t take long to apprehend the alleged murderer.

Cut 9 (10) “…interviewing.″

Landry says enough evidence was collected to charge Jackson with 1^st Degree Murder.

Landry says Jackson and Simoneaux’s two children were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, and have been turned over to a responsible party.

Cut 10 (10) “…members.”

Jackson has been booked into the Bossier City Jail on a 7.5 million dollar bail.

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Georgia-Pacific will be laying off at least 650 workers in March from its Port Hudson paper facility, in a major blow to the North Baton Rouge economy. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says it’s a huge loss, and a drastic shock to a community that relied on those union jobs to provide a good quality of life.

Cut 11 (10) “…working there”

Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome says the city will activate a Rapid Response employment program to help displaced workers find new employment.

Barrow says with more and more people going digital, and sending correspondence through email and text, the need for traditional paper that the facility specialized in has diminished.

Cut 12 (10)   “…white paper” 

Barrow says the closure should reemphasize the need for additional resources being allocated to programs that help prepare workers for the new, digital economy.

The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus has requested the Board of Ethics reconsider its recent decision to no longer allow campaign funds to be spent on childcare.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Louisiana receives a one-point-two million dollar federal grant that will go towards helping child victims of human trafficking. Kevin Barnhart has more..

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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President Trump will be visiting the Crescent City on Monday. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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After the Board of Ethics vote to no longer allow campaign funds to be used for childcare for campaign events and activities, the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus has requested the board to reconsider the decision.  Caucus Chair Sen. Beth Mizell…

Cut 4 (09) “…the first place.” 

Mizell says Morgan Lamandre, a Democrat candidate running for a Baton Rouge area House seat, had been advised by the Board that she could be penalized if she dipped into the campaign fund to pay for a babysitter while attending campaign fundraisers, forums, and other stops.

Cut 5 (09) “…was a problem.”

Mizell says candidates may not have the financial means to cover the cost of child care for the time it takes to run a campaign.

Cut 6 (10) “…run their campaign.”

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The Pelican Institute is asking lawmakers to back their revenue neutral tax plan that they say would slash corporate and upper-income tax levels by eliminating the myriad tax exemptions and deductions that have built up in the Louisiana constitution over the decades. Senior Fellow Chris Jacobs calls for eliminating refunds for businesses like job incentive, inventory tax credits, and others…

Cut 7 (08) “…percent”

Jacobs says you could get a flatter income tax rate if you eliminated things like the federal income tax deduction, historic preservation credits, and other itemized refunds and returns and you could…

Cut 8 (10) “…can get.”

It’s a sweeping plan that would simplify most of the state’s business and personal income filing, something that Jacobs says would reduce overhead for Louisiana businesses. But, to pull it off, you would need to rewrite the state constitution, and idea that’s gaining momentum…

Cut 9 (09) “…our constitution.″

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Louisiana has received a one-point-two million dollar federal grant that will go towards improving the outcomes for child victims of human trafficking. Governor John Edwards says the money is needed, because a report released last February found 681 adults and juveniles identified as victims of human trafficking in 2017…

Cut 10 (07)   “…going forward”

Louisiana is one of seven states since 2015 to receive this type of funding, which will be used on a project known as the Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative. First Lady Donna Edwards has attempted to raise awareness about human trafficking and says this is an issue that everyone needs to be concerned about

Cut 11 (12) “…make a difference.”

In 2016, Shared Hope International ranked Louisiana number one in the nation for its anti-trafficking laws. Edwards says the state is making progress in trying to stop modern-day slavery, which is why the Department of Justice trusts Louisiana with this federal grant

Cut 12 (12)   “…country.”

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President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans Monday for the National Farm Bureau Convention. It’s the second time the President has accepted the invitation to speak at the annual convention. Historically it’s a faction that’s backed the President, but ULM Poli Sci Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the trade war could mean a chillier reception than his last appearance.

Cut 13 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

it’s the President’s first appearance since a campaign rally in March of 2016.

Unless there’s a drastic change in negotiations between House Democrats and the President, the government will still likely be shut down. Stockley says if the President is looking for good press at a tough time, this might not be the best bet.

Cut 14 (11) “…appearances.”

Every year the President and Vice President are invited to speak at the convention. 

New Orleans was one of the few Louisiana cities to not vote for the President, and Stockley says there’s a chance a large, heated crowd is there to welcome the President to the Crescent City.

Cut 15 (10) “…a positive.”

The Farm Bureau Convention runs from Friday through Wednesday.

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The Sean Payton era Saints are an undefeated 5-0 at home for the playoffs, and fans and the players are getting hyped for the Sunday dome showdown with the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles. Payton says quarterback Drew Brees lives for playing on the biggest stages.

Cut 16 (15)  “…make him special.”

Brees is 7-6 for his career in the playoffs, averaging 323 passing yards and over two touchdowns per game.

But Dome Field Advantage hasn’t always been a thing. The Black and Gold were 1-3 at home before the arrival of Payton and Brees. Payton says it takes a special combination of a great team and a motivated fan base to build the special kind of environment that exists in New Orleans right now.

 cut 17 (20)   “…your football team.” 

The Saints have a worst in league 1-5 record since 2006 in road playoff games.

The Saints rolled at home this year in the regular season, going 6-2, one of those wins being a 48-7 trashing of the Carson Wentz lead Eagles. Philly’s former starter tossed 3 picks, and their defense rolled over in the route, but Payton says they aren’t letting that game get to their head.

Cut 18 (14)   “…tremendous challenge” 

The Eagles are now led at QB by backup Nick Foles.