The small Allen Parish town of Oakdale has been feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown. Connor Ferrill explains why…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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150 dogs were seized and taken to the St. John the Baptist Animal Shelter, and the shelter is asking for volunteers and donations to help with the huge influx of rescues. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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In the small Allen Parish town of Oakdale, about 150 federal workers are celebrating the news that the federal government shutdown is ending. Oakdale is home to a federal prison and immigration detention facility. Oakdale Mayor Gene Paul says several families in his town have been struggling…

Cut 3 (11) “…or so.”

Paul says the federal workers he spoke with, didn’t like being caught up in a dispute over border wall funding

Cut 4 (09) “…their bills.″

Paul says the town of Oakldale is giving federal workers an extension to pay their utility bills…

Cut 5 (09) “…these people.”

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150 dogs were seized in an animal cruelty bust, and now the St. John the Baptist Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers and donations to help with the influx of abused dogs. Shelter Manager Rachael Sance says the dogs are at a healthy weight, but arrived with a number of ailments.

Cut 6 (13) “…mange.”

Sance says it’s the largest single influx of dogs the shelter has ever seen, the next largest being 40 last year from another cruelty case.

Despite the deplorable living conditions, Sance says many of the dogs are ready for a supportive family to foster or adopt them. She says if you are interested in a canine companion, the shelter will provide new owners with a crate, food, medical supplies, and other supplies.

Cut 7 (12) “…shaking”

Sance does not recommend bringing one of the rescues into a home with young children.

The shelter is seeking a variety of goods from generous donors to help cope with the pack, including cleaning supplies like bleach and towels, along with dog food. Sance says there’s a number of ways the public can help, including helping socialize the dogs, and giving direct donations.

Cut 8 (12) “…on there.”

The investigation has been referred to as a “hoarding” case, but details about the alleged hoarder, or hoarders have not been made available yet.

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Senator Bill Cassidy took to the Senate floor today and said he wants the NFL to answer two questions in the wake of the infamous “no-call” from the NFC Championship game. One, how did the NFL grade the referees’ performance, and two, were the refs biased….

Cut 9 (12) “few others .″

Cassidy says the lack of public acknowledgement of the substantial officiating error is jeopardizing the NFL’s relationship with their fans, and its reputation as the top professional league in the country. He says the address this, the league should release its internal grading of the NFC Championship officials.

Cut 10 (11) “…particular.

Four out of the seven officials on the Championship crew are reportedly from California, and the LA area in particular. Cassidy says that raises some serious questions about their ability to impartially officiate a tight game.

Cut 11 (11) “Rams fan.”

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Three flights at Monroe Regional Airport had to be canceled today because T-S-A agents did not show up for work. Public Relations Media Coordinator for the City of Monroe Rod Washington says the government shutdown’s negative effects aren’t limited to disgruntled TSA agents delayed pay…

Cut 12 (06)   “…morning.”

Washington says all later flights appear to be on schedule with some support on the way…

Cut 13 (10) “…resume”

Staffing shortages are also impacted flights at New York’s LaGuardia, Newark and Philadelphia airports.

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A major change is coming on where high school championship games will be played. LHSAA principals have voted to allow “select” schools to host its title games in football, basketball, baseball and softball sites separate from public schools. Teurlings Catholic Principal Mike Boyer says it’s a good day for the LHSAA…

Cut 14 (08) “…throughout the state.”

Boyer says the school that has the higher seed in the championship game will decide where the game will be held

The Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be shut down for the weekend. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A fifth grade math and science teacher from Bains Elementary in St. Francisville wins a 25,000 dollar national award for her exceptional work in the classroom…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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An 8 month old child is dead and his mother is behind bars, charged with negligent homicide.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be shut down from Saturday 6 AM until early Monday morning for major repair work on the structure hit by a crane barge back in October. The bridge has been partially open since December. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says it’s impressive work.

Cut 4 (08) “in place.”

Mallet estimates this will be the last time the bridge is shut off to traffic through the end of scheduled repairs.

Repair efforts and repainting has continued while the bridge has been partially open, but Mallet says this particular bit of restoration is delicate enough that they can’t risk have motorists passing on the bridge while crews lift 50 foot beams below it.

Cut 5 (09) “…too.”

Repairs are expected to conclude in late January, early February. Mallet says they were planning on getting it done earlier, but a series of freak weather incidents have kept crews off the bridge.

Cut 6 (08) “…that bridge”

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St. Francisville fifth grade teacher Stephanie Whetstone got one heck of a surprise yesterday, as she received the 25,000 dollar Milken Award for her work in the classroom at Bains Elementary. Whetstone was recognized for her commitment to making sure students understand not just the STEM curriculum, but why they need those vital math skills.

Cut 7 (09) “…life skills.”

The 25,000 is a no strings attached cash prize.

Whetstone says Bains is one of the top five performing schools in the state, and credits their emphasis on building a sense of responsibility in their older students.

Cut 8 (07) “…other students”

Milken Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley released a statement praising the educator’s work, saying “Stephanie’s students will know how to meet the demands of today’s global economy.”

It’s a generous award for one of Louisiana hard-working educators, and comes at a time where there’s a pay raise push statewide for teachers. Whetstone says she was shocked to receive the award, and hopes other Louisiana teachers will be financially rewarded by lawmakers for their efforts as well.

Cut 9 (12) “…other things″

Governor Edwards is proposing a 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, and a 500 dollar support staff pay raise.

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A Calcasieu Parish mother is in jail, charged with negligent homicide in the death of her eight-month-old child.  Deputies responded to a home in Sulphur in reference to a baby boy that was not breathing.  Sheriff Tony Mancuso says upon arrival, the first deputy on the scene began performing CPR on the child.

Cut 10 (07) “actual baby’s room.”

26-year-old Lacey Blount was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and the infant died at a local hospital. Mancuso says authorities discovered marijuana, meth, and paraphernalia at the home at the time of the incident.

Cut 11 (08) “…heard the baby.”

Mancuso says while the case is still under investigation, it appears the baby was sleeping on a bed at the time.

Cut 12 (07) “…and a nightstand.”

Mancuso says the father of the child was at work when deputies arrived at the home.

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Two competing Senate bills to re-open the government both failed to obtain the 60 votes needed to pass, and now we’re into day 35 of the historically long shutdown. Federal workers are nearing a full month without pay, and with rent coming due, many of their lives are getting precarious. Senator Bill Cassidy says the only way forward is a compromise between the two party leaders.

Cut 13 (12) “…Pelosi”

One measure, would have temporarily re-opened the government through February 8^th, the other was a long term fix that, was the President’s offer of legal protections for “Dreamers” in return for 5.7 billion to fund additional border wall. Cassidy voted against the first, and for the second bill.

But, Cassidy is optimistic that a deal is coming in the near future. He says there’s signs that democratic anti-wall resolve is beginning to crack, and some lawmakers from across the aisle are looking to make a deal…

Cut 14 (10) “of that.”

Senator John Kennedy is pursing legislation to get unpaid Coast Guard members a check before the 1^st, and Cassidy says if the deadlock continues, pursuing piecemeal legislative efforts to get federal workers paid may be necessary.

Cut 15 (08) “…that end.”

A possible hunger crisis may be in Louisiana’s future as the government shutdown continues. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A volunteer softball coach and daughter of the head coach of the Lady Cajuns was one of two people killed in an overnight five-vehicle crash in Lafayette on Interstate 10. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Two are dead following a five-vehicle crash on I-10 in Lafayette, including the daughter of the Lady Cajuns head softball coach. A Houston man and 24-year-old Geri Glasco of Arnaudville, who was also a volunteer softball coach at UL-Lafayette, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the chain reaction crash started with an 18-wheeler traveling too fast in an active construction zone.

Cut 3 (11) “…five car crash.”

Gossen says Glasco and 45-year-old Kenneth McNeil died at the scene and alcohol tests on all of the drivers involved are pending.

Cut 4 (07) “…no alcohol present.″

The area has several hot spots of active construction and Gossen encourages drivers to practice patience and vigilance when behind the wheel.

Cut 5 (07) “…in those zones.”

Gossen says 67-year-old William Rawlings of Killeen, Texas, was behind the wheel of the of the semi that caused the accident. Charges are pending.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has announced plans to spend 350-million dollars on coastal restoration and flood protection projects. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says nearly 300-million is federal dollars from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act….

Cut 6 (09) “…desperately needed.”

The other 55-million dollars for coastal work comes from state surplus money. Frederick says the previous administration took away money for designated coastal projects and spent it elsewhere…

Cut 7 (12) “…wetlands”

Some of the state surplus dollars will go to the long-delayed West Shore Lake Pontchartrain hurricane protection project, which will protect LaPlace and surrounding areas. Frederick says these projects are critical to the overall health of the coast…

Cut 8 (10) “…flooding.”

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Food banks are facing a possible hunger crisis as the partial government shutdown continues.  Jay Vise, spokesman for Second Harvest Food Bank, who serves hundreds of food pantries across south Louisiana, says they’ve seen an increased demand for help during the shutdown.

Cut 9 (07) “by the shutdown.″

Vise says they are currently getting ready to face a serious challenge in the coming weeks because of issues with food stamps programs caused by the shutdown.

Cut 10 (10) “…so generously provide.

Vise encourages donations beyond just food as people are in need of many different supplies at this time.

Cut 11 (13) “appreciated as well.”

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The recently sworn in mayor of Shreveport Adrian Perkins is attending the US Conference of Mayors Annual winter meeting in Washington D-C. Perkins says gathering with other mayors will help him as he tackles some of Shreveport’s infrastructure problems

Cut 12 (11)   “…correct em.”

Perkins was sworn in on December 29th. One of has first tasks has been working to improve police and community relations…

Cut 13 (12) “…in Shreveport”

Perkins says the conference of mayors came at a good time for him…

Cut 14 (13) “…technology.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to Roger Goodell urging the NFL Commish to make sure another team is not robbed of going to the Super Bowl. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Starting next week, Louisiana abortion clinics will be legally compelled to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a written letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell asking him and the owners to change the rules to make sure another obvious, blatant and intentional penalty at the end of a championship game doesn’t go uncalled again….

Cut 3 (04) “…for the league.”

There’s been a report the NFL competition committee will look during the offseason on whether pass interference should be the subject of an instant replay review. Edwards believes it should be

Cut 4 (09) “…happening again″

So far there has been no official response from Goodell or the league about the missed pass interference call at the NFC Championship game. Edwards believes he’ll get a response from the NFL, because he’s heard from some who have no interest in the Super Bowl this year…

Cut 5 (11) “…problem is”

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Governor John Bel Edwards re-election effort is officially underway as he made two campaign stops today in Lafayette. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says despite good approval ratings it’s not a sure thing that Edwards will be re-elected..

Cut 6 (10) “…Louisiana.”

Meanwhile, Republican challenger and Congressman Ralph Abraham held a lunchtime fundraiser in Lake Providence today. But Pinsonat says the other announced GOP challenger, Eddie Rispone, is the X-factor, because he can self-fund much of his campaign…

Cut 7 (12) “…hard to do”

Other Republicans can still enter the race. He says former Congressman John Fleming of Minden is reportedly looking at it and Pinsonat says he has deep pockets too and could hurt Abraham’s chances…

Cut 8 (10) “…north Louisiana.”

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Beginning Monday, Louisiana abortion clinics will be required to have admitting privileges at a local hospital, that after a Friday ruling from the New Orleans based 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals. Attorney General Jeff Landry says his office has been proud to defend the law that was passed in 2014, nearly unanimously, in the Louisiana Legislature.

Cut 9 (11) “common sense″

Act 620 was held up for years after the Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Texas in 2016. The 5^th Circuit in September determined the Louisiana law was different enough to warrant a rehearing.

So starting Monday, Landry says all Louisiana clinics must adhere to the law, or they could be shut down by the state.

Cut 10 (10) “…of Health.

After five years of winding its way through the courts, Act 620 still may not be done facing legal challenges. There’s one appeal left, and that’s to the US Supreme Court. Landry says if that happens, they’re ready.

Cut 11 (07) “our case”

The Center for Reproductive Rights says there are only three abortion clinics left in Louisiana.
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Get ready for a cold night, especially in north Louisiana, as Shreveport, Monroe and Natchitoches can all see morning lows below 30-degrees. Chris Nuttall is with the National Weather Service in Shreveport…

Cut 12 (09)   “…tonight.”

Nuttall says it’s possible that below freezing tempeatures could get as far south as Lafayette…

Cut 13 (04) “…right now.”

Nuttall says it will feel warmer tomorrow afternoon, before another cold front hits the state tomorrow night, early tomorrow morning…

Cut 14 (13) “…few days.”

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.

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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”