North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has been tagged to help negotiate the differences between the Senate and House’s farm bill. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016 have until tomorrow to fill out the Restore Louisiana Survey. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (09)  “American citizens”

ICE has become a controversial agency in recent months, as the agency that has been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s immigration policies such as family separations and detainment of asylum seekers.

Congressman Steve Scalise praised ICE agents for their work tracking down and deporting tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants from American communities.

Cut 10 (07) “our country”

But Immigrant advocates say ICE is being used to terrorize immigrants in Louisiana who are not a threat to public safety and who moved to the state years ago to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Congress of Day Laborers Organizer Rachel Taber says the mass marches against the agency last month show its time for a change.

Cut 11 (12) “of immigrants.”

Higgins’ resolution passed the House 244-35. A similar resolution that would denounce those who call for the agencies abolishment has been brought in the Senate by John Kennedy.

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Friday is the deadline for Louisiana homeowners who had flood damage in 2016 to fill out a survey to participate in the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. The governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says 52,500 homeowners have completed the survey that can result in federal assistance for home repairs…

Cut 12 (09)   “…over the phone”

Sanford believes those that have not yet completed the survey are hesitant to do so, due to receiving other forms of government assistance.

Cut 13 (11) “…from the Restore.” 

Many recipients for SBA loans have not been able to access money from the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. But Sanford says Congress could make changes to the guidelines, making more flood victims eligible for additional federal assistance…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Eligible homeowners have been offered grant awards totaling 348-million dollars through the Restore Homeowner Assistance Program. The survey can be found at restore.la.gov or call 1-866-735-2001.

A recent request for a change of venue in a court case involving a gun charge is getting plenty of attention, but not because of the nature of the crime.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Health Department reports the first six human cases of the West Nile Virus has been detected. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (12)  “we can”

Jaberi says 80-percent of people who get West Nile are unaware they have the virus, as they are asymptomatic. But he says in this latest report, three of the cases are the more serious form of the disease

Cut 10 (12) “…the hospital”

The three cases of Neuroinvasive Disease were found in DeSoto, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. Jaberi says they are not surprised to see their first human cases of West Nile..

Cut 11 (10) “…surveillance.”

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The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-‘s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Crowe says if elected, he would focus on upgrading the office’s technology, to better protect election privacy and integrity.

Cut 12 (10)   “highest level”

Crowe says he plans on running a clean campaign, and rejecting the common political impulse to attack his rivals in the race.

Cut 13 (10) “my opponets” 

Fontenot Free says if elected, along with maintaining a non-partisan approach, she would focus on the state’s sagging level of voter participation, specifically in state and local elections.

Cut 14 (10) “about it”

Political analysts consider the Secretary of State’s race to be one of the more difficult offices to obtain, due to its lower profile and lack of abundant money that’s usually available in more partisan legislative races. Free says she won’t be relying on big money backing to push her over the finish line.

Cut 15 (08) “warchest”

The election is November 6th.

Baton Rouge  Republican Congressman Garrett Graves is coming out against the President’s comments yesterday that Russia did not interfere with the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans gave an update today on how a jaguar got out of his enclosure on Sunday and killed nine animals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana has seen an uptick in productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly credits a 2017 reform in the state’s incentive program for making Louisiana one of the most in demand locations.

cut 9 (05)  “in the world”

The program is capped at a budget of $150 million per fiscal year, but in return, Stelly says it’s a rewarding experience for the communities involved.

Cut 10 (06) “…hiring our neighbors.”

Currently, five television shows being filmed in communities around the state.  Stelly estimates that the economic impact is in the billions, but says a true metric is being studied right now with more official results available in in early 2019.

Cut 11 (09) “…throughout the state.”

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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans says the jaguar that got loose on Sunday and killed nine other animals most likely bit through a stainless steel cable barrier near the roof of his enclosure. Zoo Director Kyle Burks says the big cat then pushed through an eight-by-ten inch hole in the roof and got out. Burks says the enclosure is inspected on a regular basis.

Cut 12 (12)   “to that”

Burks says the enclosure will receive a new material stronger than the current steel used for the roof.

Cut 13 (08) “…with smaller openings” 

Burks says the jaguar will not be euthanized and they are not sure how long he was out of his enclosure.

Cut 14 (07) “…forward from there.”

Louisiana’s US Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say they like the President’s pick for the soon to be vacant seat on the US Supreme Court. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LEAP Test results for 2017-2018 are in. Jeff Palermo has the results.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (03)  “…firing their weapon.”

Lee says the trooper only sustained minor injuries in the altercation, but the passenger was hit by the gunfire and taken to a local hospital.

Cut 10 (05) “…for injuries there.”

Lee says detectives from the State Police Bureau of Investigations are looking into why the stop escalated to the point that it did.

Cut 11 (07) “…everything took place.”

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A 75 year old Boyce resident now has a nice stack of cash after claiming a lottery ticket matching all five numbers with the Poweball’s June 23^rd drawing. Even though he didn’t get the correct Powerball number, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison say it was enough to give Glenn Feazell quite the surprise the next morning.

Cut 12 (10)   “…seeing things correctly.”

Annison says it’s always an exciting scene when winners show up to claim the larger prizes at the lottery office, continuing on to say the man already has plans for the money.

Cut 13 (06) “…a new vehicle with it.” 

Annison says this serves as a reminder that luck could be in anyone’s favor with the drawings.

Cut 14 (04) “…one ticket to win.”

With all five white balls matching, it was enough to land Feazell $1 million, which is $710k after taxes.

A Point Coupee Parish man is ordered to pay $10,250 in civil restitution after being found guilty of killing a Louisiana black bear. 30-year-old Robert Kimble of Lettsworth shot and killed the female bear on Yancy Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish last November. General Counsel of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Yolanda Martin…

Cut 15 (08) “a closed season”

According to the LDWF investigation, the bear was found dead after a mortality signal was received from the bear’s radio collar. Martin says Kimble admitted to shooting the bear.

Cut 16  (08) “with the agency”

Martin says Kimble’s hunting and fishing licenses are revoked until he pays the restitution.

Just three years ago, Louisiana ranked near the bottom for the number of high school seniors who sought financial aid to attend college, now it leads the nation.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Jeff Palermo“

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The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge has an exhibit on editorial cartoons that’s up for public viewing through September 29th. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A new report shows the 2017 criminal justice reforms are beginning to save the state a good bit of money. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana now leads the nation when it comes to student applications for federal aid to attend college. Louisiana had one of the lowest FAFSA completion rates in the nation in 2015, and Stephanie Markham with the Louisiana Department of Education says that led to a policy that required all graduating high schoolers to fill out the financial aid form, to show them what they were eligible for.

Cut 4  (06) “the table”

FAFSA allows high school seniors to get access to grants and loans to pursue higher education. Markham says the program is helping students from working class families get access to hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to help pay for school

Cut 5  (12)  “before”

After 2015, BESE began recommending that districts set aside flexible schedules at schools to allow students and their parents to fill out the forms with the help of professionals and school officials familiar with the sometimes intimidating process. Markham says these meetings take  the stress out of completing the paperwork.

Cut 6 (13) “12 minutes”

The report was written by the National College Access Network.

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With the deputies having a boat nearby, those stranded didn’t wait too long for responders to show up with a rescue vessel.  Upon transferring passengers from the tour boat, Mowell says they were able to get the boat unstuck.

Cut 8 (08)  “..to their headquarters.”

Mowell says everyone involved is thankful for a successful rescue effort.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the way they did.”

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If you love political cartoons, you’ll need to check out the new exhibit at the Old State Capitol Museum called “Lines with Power and Purpose: Editorial Cartoons.” Director of State Museums, Mary Durusau, spoke on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and says the exhibit will feature original editorial cartoons from the nation’s best newspapers throughout the first half of the 20^th century.

Cut 10 (11)   “democratic process”

 Durusau says the exhibit will take a closer look at the political power of commentary.

Cut 11 (11) “over again”

Two time Pulitzer Prize winner, Walt Handelsman of the Advocate, will share his artistic experience on Wednesday evening, highlighting the exhibit. Durusau says it is an honor to have him speak at the Old State Capitol.

Cut 12 (08) “at 6pm”

The exhibit will run until September 29^th.

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The state will save 12.2 million dollars as a result of the criminal justice reforms of 2017, that from a new report issued by the Department of Corrections. 70 percent of those savings will be reinvested into programs that will help inmates at parish prisons, increased the number of parole staff, new reception centers, and more. Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc:

Cut 13 (09)  “already done” 

PEW Charitable Trusts worked with the state to help create the criminal justice reforms.

The state has seen a noticeable drop in the number of inmates in the system since 2016, but LeBlanc says that’s not where most of the savings are actually coming from.

Cut 14 (09) “into prison”

The estimated savings are double that which PEW initially estimated when the reforms went into effect.

The Secretary singled out one initiative in particular, Compliance Credit, for having exceeded even the more optimistic projections for success. Compliance Credits allow those on parole to be able to complete certain activities and achievements to reduce the time remaining on their sentence. LeBlanc says this save the state money, by helping offenders get out of the system faster.

A major national political magazine article asks the question: “Does Mitch Landrieu have to run for President?” Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Have suppressed aggression issues you need to alleviate, need relationship help, or just a workout?  Kevin Barnhart has more on a new Broussard business that might be just what you need.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

cut 9 (06)  “…seemed so impossible”

Comier says that at age 39, his career is winding down and he’ll likely be more selective with the fights he competes in.

Cut 10 (13) “…and be done.”

Following his championship victory, Cormier called out former UFC Champion and current WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, who was sitting cage side for the fight.  It’s a moment that left some UFC fans upset.

Cut 11 (13) “…upside your head.”

No date has been set for Cormier’s bout with Brock Lesnar.

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President Donald Trump will announce his nomination for the vacant US Supreme Court position tonight at 8PM, a decision that could tip the balance of the high court in a decidedly conservative direction. Pro-Life advocates are hoping this leads to a successful challenge of Roe vs. Wade, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says….

Cut 12 (11)   “the margin”

Republican control of the Senate means it is unlikely the choice will be denied the seat.

But Stockley says that doesn’t mean some substantial changes to abortion rights could be on the way. The ULM Professor says a more conservative court could make it less likely that state based abortion restrictions would be overturned when challenged.

Cut 13 (10) “its laws” 

Louisiana recently passed legislation that would ban abortion after 15 weeks, pending a Federal Appellate Court decision on a similar piece of legislation from Mississippi.

Stockley says you shouldn’t expect radical changes in the courts direction on topics like workers’ rights and abortion as a result of the new Justice, because Justice Anthony Kennedy, who recently retired, wasn’t nearly as moderate as his reputation indicated.

Cut 14 (11) “the majority.”

The LA Wallet app is allowing Louisianans to access their driver’s license on their phones, and comes with a few other perks as well. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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We are 13 months away from qualifying for the 2019 governor’s race.  Kevin Barnhart reports we’ll likely have to wait awhile before we see any Republicans jump into the race.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Many Louisiana industries are bracing to take a hit from the Chinese tariffs that went into effect Friday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LA Wallet app that allows Louisianans to access a digital copy of their driver’s license, is available now on your Iphone or Android app store. The app was developed by a Louisiana company, Envoc, with offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond. Envoc CEO Calvin Fabre says it comes with all kinds of convenient perks.

Cut 4  (09) “expires”

The app is a useable substitute for any state based license checks, like traffic stops, and in the near future could be valid for ID checks in bars, other states, and at the airport. In the event someone totally clears you out, taking your wallet and phone, Fabre says you can still access your license on other devices.

Cut 5  (09)  “your license”

Often states have to look outside their borders for software development, usually to the west coast, but this time a home grown tech company took the lead producing the first digital driver’s license app for a state in the United States. Fabre says this is good indicator of the healthy growth in the Bayou tech sector.

Cut 6 (09) “friendly.”

LA Wallet comes with a $5.99 activation fee.

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Cut 7 (10)  “…time before that.”

US Senator John Kennedy, Congressman Ralph Abraham, Attorney General Jeff Landry and state senator Sharon Hewitt have been mentioned as possible candidates. Dubos doesn’t foresee any announcements until next year.

Cut 8 (10)  “..late in the game.”

Dubos says he anticipates declarations of office runs will be held off until 2019, but says anything could happen.

Cut 9 (09)  “…declare at anytime.”

Earlier this year, Edwards reported having more than five-million dollars in his campaign war chest. Dubos expects the governor to keep raising money for a tough re-election bid.

Louisiana ranks second in the South for strongest economic development results for 2017 according to Southern Business & Development magazine. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says last year they announced DXC Technology is coming to New Orleans, plus an 800-million dollar LNG production and export facility in Lafourche Parish and LNG and chemical production continues to grow in Lake Charles thanks to…

Cut 10 (06)   “…state right now”

Lake Charles was titled Small Market of the Year for the eighth year in a row as they continue to secure capital investment projects. Pierson says the infrastructure in place it should keep growing…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

The success is spilling over into the major cities of Louisiana with Baton Rouge earning an Honorable Mention for Major Market of the Year. Pierson says the state’s economy looks to be getting stronger…

Cut 12 (08) “…in Lousisiana”

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Billions in Chinese tariffs went into effect Friday, and Louisiana industries are bracing for what could be a rocky ride. A recent Forbes report showed Louisiana as the most at risk state for negative effects from tariffs due to its export and shipping based economy. Port of New Orleans VP Robert Landry says the Chinese tariffs on steel will have ripple effects throughout all economies that rely on Mississippi river shipping.

Cut 13 (12)  “world marketplace” 

Landry says right off the bat, he expects hours to be cut back at the port for the men who load and transfer goods from international shipping barges

Cut 14 (10) “who do.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson also expressed concern about the tariff’s impact on the state’s economy. He highlighted the damage that could be inflicted on Louisiana’s agriculture industry that ships massive qualities of goods overseas.

A pioneer in cardiovascular health, New Orleans surgeon John Ochsner, has passed away at the age of 91. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Essence Festival has started in New Orleans, bringing three days of entertainment some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and culture. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

The man who performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South has passed away in New Orleans. Doctor John Ochsner conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57 year career. He passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, calls Doctor Ochnser an icon in the industry

cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

Thomas says Doctor Ochsner pioneered valve and coronary surgery and received the prestigous Michael E DeBakey Surgical Award in 2000. He says Doctor Ochsner’s patients had the utmost respect for him

Cut 10 (09) “…amazing outcomes.”

Doctor Ochsner’s father, Alton Ochsner, helped found the Ochsner health care system. Doctor John Ochsner stopped performing surgeries at 75-years-old, but was still involved with the clinic on a daily basis…

Cut 11 (11) “…do better.”

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Essence Fest has kicked off today in New Orleans, taking over the city for three days as some of the biggest names in entertainment take the town. Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Snoop Dog headline the show tonight, and New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s bureau Spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says that’s not all.

Cut 12 (10)   “and more”

Temperatures will be in the upper 80s all weekend in the Crescent City, with decent chances for afternoon showers throughout the event. Sonnier says that shouldn’t scare you away, because Essence Fest is indoor fun.

Cut 13 (09) “air conditioning” 

Most of the festival takes place in Morial Convention Center by day, where speakers and workshops for personal development will be offered, and by night for concerts at the Super Dome. Sonnier says if you get hungry, there’s great options right nearby.

Cut 14 (11) “around there.”

Suspected members of the famed Felony Lane Gang were arrested with a treasure trove of illicit goods, including credit cards, Social Security cards, and pot. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A 15-year-old escapes captivity where he’d allegedly been hog tied and tortured at a home in Sulphur. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An Arnaudville teen has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted first-degree murder following an early Wednesday morning police pursuit.  St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Major Ginny Higgins says 17-year-old Dartamian Landry refused to pull over when deputies attempted a traffic stop.

cut 9 (08)  “…and a pursuit ensued.”

Higgins says the suspect continued to drive at a high rate of speed for quite some time, when things turned south for the teen behind the wheel.

Cut 10 (09) “…with a traffic stop.”

Higgins says it appears that the suspect intentionally aimed his vehicle at deputies when the crash occurred, injuring the officers involved.

Cut 11 (10) “…for their injuries.”

Landry was booked at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center with a bond set at $550k.

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A 40-year-old man is under arrest after his 15-year-old son escaped captivity from a home in Sulphur where authorities say he was torturing the young man. Thomas Winniger and his girlfriend 34-year-old Desirae Tomcannin have been charged with 2^nd degree cruelty to a juvenile and false imprisonment. Calcasieu Parish Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the details of the crime are disturbing.

Cut 12 (12)   “feet together”

Authorities suspect the minor has been kept out of school for some time now while the torture was taking place.

Mancuso says little is known about the family at this time, or Winninger, who hails from Sylvester Georgia, or than they suspect they move from place to place frequently. Mancuso says you could never justify the putting anyone through that kind of pain, which makes the arbitrary reasons given for the punishment that much more concerning.

Cut 13 (10) “that’s terrible” 

Mancuso says the teenager made his escape to a neighbor’s house, where a 911 call was placed, by outsmarting his captors.

Cut 14 (12)  took off.”

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Payton, a native of Gretna, starred for the Rajun Cajuns, and was the tenth pick in the 2014 draft, playing four years in Orlando, before a stop in Phoenix last year.  Kushner says Payton is a poor shooter, but can handle the ball and play solid defense.

Cut 10 (12) “either”

The 24-year-old Payton signed a one-year, 2.7 million dollar contract with New Orleans.

Julius Randle, a Dallas native, played one year at Kentucky before leaving college for the NBA, where he was drafted 7^th in 2014 draft by Los Angeles. He missed his entire rookie year, but has grown steadily every year since then seeing a steady uptick in points and efficiency. Kushner says he’s a high upside pick up.

Cut 11 (10) “defender”

The 23-year-old Randle signed a 2-year, 18 million dollar contract with a player option to opt out in year two.

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Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Everybody knows about chuck for burgers and ribeyes for steak eaters, but for those looking to change things up, and get the most bang for their buck, Foster says grab a chuck.

Cut 13 (11) “single person” 

And for those looking for a lower fat, more health conscience cut of meat, Foster says they’re definitely out there, even if they don’t measure up to the feeling of sinking your teeth into a juicy, fatty ribeye.

Cut 14 (09)  “bit leaner.”

Foster says those looking for medium steaks should make sure those cuts are 140 to 145 degrees in the center, and those looking for well-done should buy chicken instead.