A couple of interstate projects are slated for Lake Charles.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham told the Baton Rouge Press Club he has yet to decide on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019, but he sounded like a candidate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the legislature on the first day of the special session.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The State Transportation Department will begin work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles on March 3rd. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will replace the expansion joints on the bridge, initially closing one eastbound lane. Mallett says this work is part of a large scale job they plan to perform…

Cut 4  (10) “be redecked.” 

Officials hope to minimize the amount of accidents during the work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles.  Mallett says it’s important that drivers pay attention while driving in the work zone to avoid adding delays…

Cut 5  (08)  “further delays.”

There are a few options for drivers to circumvent I-10 if they want to avoid the extra congestion…

Cut 6 (10)  “some point.”

The project is expected to be completed in four to six months.

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North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham made no bones about his intentions to take a hard look at running for Governor. On the day when Governor John Bel Edwards took center stage at the capitol and opened the special legislative session, Abraham took a swipe at his potential opponent while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press club.

Cut 7 (09)  “lack of trust”

Abraham says Edwards position on how to pull the state out of the billion dollar deficit is proof positive Edwards is not being truthful.

Cut 8 (11) “with that”

Abraham says in the days of lightning fast social media Louisiana voters are less likely to consider where a candidate is from and more likely to hear his message.

Cut 9 (08 )  “with us”

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Three teens were arrested in connection with two alleged social media threats made against Tangipahoa Parish Schools. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says a 17-year-old female and a minor are charged in spreading a post that said, “Don’t go to school Monday.  A school shooting is going to happen and they are warning everyone.” Edwards says that resulted in his deputies sweeping the school before allowing students on campus…

Cut 10 (08) “the night.”

Edwards says 18-year-old Troy Webber of Amite was arrested in separate incident after he allegedly threatening to shoot students and teachers at school Monday…

Cut 11 (13) “as well.”

Social media threats have been made against several Louisiana schools just days after a gunman opened fire on a Florida school, killing 17.  Kelley Ray says State Police are distributed by the increase in threats, real or not…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The Senate Demcractic Caucus offers a plan on solving a one-billion dollar budget deficit, but it faces opposition from anti-tax groups. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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At least three Louisiana schools have received social media threats, with Ville Platte under lockdown due to one received this morning.  Dutchtown and Ponchatoula High Schools were threatened in social media over the weekend.  State Police Major Doug Cain says in light of the recent Florida school shooting that killed 17, making false threats is not a game and creates problems for law enforcement officials…

Cut 3 (08) “of threats.”

If a threat against a school is found to be false, Cain says they will investigate and if they find the person who made it, there will be consequences…

Cut 4  (08) “be tolerated.” 

None of the Louisiana schools in question were closed today.  But Cain says each situation is evaluated on its own and safety of students for law enforcement and school administration is top priority…

Cut 5  (07)  “that school.”

Officials say the Dutchtown threat was made by a former student living in another state.

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The Senate Democratic Caucus offers a solution on solving the one-billion dollar shortfall. Chairman Troy Carter proposes compressing income tax brackets, removing sales tax exemptions that benefit some businesses and expand the sales tax base, so certain services are taxed…

Cut 6  (05)  “have to hurt”

Carter, who is a state senator from New Orleans, says the Democratic Caucus offers up this plan, because they oppose any effort to renew the temporary one-cent sales tax. He says the changing of income tax brackets would not mean a huge increase in taxes for higher income wage earners…

Cut 7 (10)  “richest of the rich”

But Director for the Louisiana Chapter of Americans for Prosperity, John Kay, says the Senate Democratic Caucus proposal would raise income taxes on the middle class by 50-percent…

Cut 8 (09) “they need.”

Kay doesn’t see how this tax plan will get the 70 votes needed in the House, especially when many legislators are looking at ways to reduce spending….

Cut 9 (09) “compromise at all”

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Just a few ago, some in Louisiana were putting up with ice and snow on the ground.  But recent above normal temperatures are making it feel more like Spring.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas of South Louisiana will continue to see the warm temperatures for some time…

Cut 10 (07) “of Louisiana.”

A pesky front is expected to move into North Louisiana starting tomorrow evening, which Keim says will bring the temperatures closer to normal in that area for the remainder of the week…

Cut 11 (11) “the weekend.”

Was Louisiana’s resident forecaster Pierre C. Shadow correct in saying we would have a longer Spring?  Keim says…

Cut 12 (11) “have happened.”

Keim says records indicate that Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport all recorded freezes in early April, though it’s been at least 29 years since the last April freeze was reported in Louisiana.

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Governor John Bel Edwards will lay out his plans on tackling the fiscal cliff when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature at 5: 00 today. Edwards called a special session to address a one-billion dollar budget deficit as a temporary one-cent sales tax expires on June 30th. Political pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards might renew portion of that penny, but he’ll have to agree on spending reforms

Cut 13 (07) “for cuts”

Pinsonat says the governor will have difficulty getting tax bills passed out of the House, but might be able to work out a deal with the Senate…

Cut 14 (09) “the House.”

All tax bills must start in the House and will get their first hearing in front of the House Ways and Means committee. Pinsonat says Edwards will have a hard time convincing conservative lawmakers to raise taxes…

State lawmakers return to the capital today to begin a special session to fix the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more from a capital observer.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The governor and House GOP leaders are jockeying for position on a potential special session grand bargain to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Almost 50 percent of debt Louisianans carry are in collections.  It’s a staggering number, but Kelley Ray found out it doesn’t have to be that way.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The special session kicks off today to address a one billion dollar shortfall. Legislators have until March 7^th to find a fix to the looming fiscal cliff or else cuts will occur in the areas of higher education and health care. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the governor has talked privately with house speaker Taylor Barras on solutions, but

Cut 4  (09) “real detail” 

Early reports say legislators are making progress on a fix the to one billion dollar budget gap. Erwin says even though a deal isn’t currently on hand, he expects some agreement to be made.

Cut 5  (09)  “this bunch.”

Edwards is calling for the replacement of the expiring sales taxes with permanent tax reform that would eliminate certain deductions for businesses, and the GOP wants spending reductions. Erwin doubts the governor will get the legislation he wants.

Cut 6 (09)  “really unfortunate”

Erwin says he doesn’t expect an agreement to be made that can secure the 70 house votes and the governor’s signature until late into the session.

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Governor Edwards and state lawmakers are in Baton Rouge for the special session to find a solution to the looming fiscal cliff that threatens to gut popular programs like TOPS. The governor is seeking tax reform, and Republicans want spending reductions. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the GOP caucus is demanding the creation of the Louisiana Checkbook.

Cut 7 (08)  “time ago”

He says the program would increase transparency, and would closely resembles Ohio’s Ohiocheckbook.com

Along with implementing Medicaid copays, tighter eligibility, and work requirements, Miguez says he also wants to see a state spending cap that is tied to private sector economic performance.

Cut 8 (06) “state government.”

Democrats say they will not allow a full renewal of the expiring one penny sales tax, as they feel it unfairly targets the poor. Franklin Representative and Democrat Sam Jones wants a budget deal that ensures crucial programs are not underfunded.

Cut 9 (10)  “the infrastructure”

Political analysts have warned the special session could be a political minefield, with Republicans attempting to make sure the governor does not leave with a “win” that could propel him to another term in office. Jones says so far, the negotiations have been fair.

Cut 10 (05) “type moment.”

Shreveport Representative Republican Alan Seabaugh says he’s beginning to see the framework for a grand bargain.

Cut 11 (11) “funding tops.”

Shreveport Police had to catch a man twice who may be connected in robbing elderly women with a bat.  Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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A Florida shooting that left 17 dead has reignited the debate over school safety. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice.  Willhite says their Robberty Task Force Unit was interviewing Roberson, when he gave officers the slip

Cut 3 (08) “into custody.”

Police say during the first arrest, Roberson was in possession of many of the items that have been reported stolen in recent weeks.  Since the escape attempt, Willhite says Roberson is facing additional charges after the second arrest…

Cut 4  (07) “a vehicle.” 

There is no word if any weapons were confiscated.

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Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the Lincoln Parish school bus driver didn’t see the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams hopes someone knows why he was there…

Cut 5  (05)  “a call.”

The bus was nearly full with elementary aged students, but Williams says they were not  hurt…

Cut 6  (10)  “schools unharmed.”

Toxicological samples have been collected. No charges have been filed as of yet.

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Debates are raging about school safety in the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead. While much of the debate has centered on the weapon used, Louisiana Association of Educators President Deborah Meaux says schools need to be investing more in social work programs to help troubled students.

Cut 7 (11)  “administrative assistants.”

Reports indicate the confessed Florida shooter Nikolas Cruz was a troubled person with noted mental health issues, and a mother who had just passed away. Meaux says a robust counseling program could have identified those problems as a possible indicator of trouble.

Cut 8 (09) “they need.”

But Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says when state budget cuts come in, one of the first things on the chopping block tends to be social work programs.

Cut 9 (07) “for students”

Carter says along with an increased investment in counseling programs, we need to be taking a look at improving the layout of schools to improve security.

Cut 10 (08) “those buildings”

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Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says it won’t be that drastic of a change…

Cut 11 (07) “a paycheck.”

The state tax wage adjustment is automatic as it is built into the Louisiana Constitution.  LaGarde says your employer has nothing to do with the change…

Cut 12 (07) “to do.”

LaGarde says the federal tax break outweighs the state’s updated tax withholding tables, meaning you still take home more than you did last year…

Cut 13 (07) “be ahead.”

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The Baton Rouge police officer shot by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Doctors say he should fully recover.  Cpl. Shane Totty was admitted Sunday night after sustaining a gunshot wound from Eugene Thomas Jr.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the department is thrilled Totty is home…

Cut 14 (10) “worked out.”

Totty and other officers were responding to a call after Thomas allegedly fired a weapon at some relatives and later shot Totty after he was pulled over.  McKneely says he hopes there won’t be a long recovery period for Totty…

The death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver is inspiring legislation that would crack down on college campus hazing. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A recent Bankrate-dot-com survey finds the average worker rates their job satisfaction at a seven out of ten.  Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.

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A film starring Academy Award winner Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson and director by John Lee Hancock has started production of “Highwaymen” in Louisiana. The film centers on two retired officers attempting to catch Bonnie and Clyde. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly says they will shoot in Shreveport next month…

Cut 3 (12) “the state.”

Stelly says reforming the state’s film tax credit program has encouraged movie producers to come back to Louisiana.  Several projects are underway…

Cut 4  (07) “even busier.” 

Stelly says there’s nowhere else in the country with the diversity Louisiana has for movie and television production…

Cut 5  (12)  “continuing on.”

Costner filmed the “Guardian” in 2006 and and Harrelson filmed the HBO series “True Detective” in the state.  Tom Hanks earlier announced he was using Baton Rouge locations to film a World War Two film “Greyhound” on the USS Kidd and locally based Celtic Studios.  There are also six television series shooting in the Bayou State.

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Most persons are happy with their jobs.  A recent Bankrate-dot-com survey finds the average worker rates their job satisfaction at a seven out of ten.  And half of those gave a rating of at least eight.  UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says he’s not surprised…

Cut 6 (10)  “has improved.”

Some employers scaled back benefits during the recession, including raises.  Rosa says workers are starting to see some of these perks come back, which makes for better productivity in the workplace…

Cut 7 (10)  “workers happy.”

While millennial workers were least satisfied with their jobs with a score of six-point-nine, Rosa says the Baby Boomers are the most happy with a score of seven-point-two…

Cut 8 (09) “really good.”

Those in households with annual incomes of over 80-thousand-dollars gave an average rank of seven-point-five. Those under 30-thousand-dollars averaged a six-point-six.

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LSU and GB Sciences Louisiana has found a location to grow medical marijuana that can be distributed to patients who have specific conditions. Director of the LSU AgCenter’s Therapeutic Cannabis Program Ashley Mullens says a 36-thousand square foot warehouse near Highland Road and Interstate 10 will house the plants

Cut 9 (09) “research cannabis”

The building is a former Pepsi distribution center. Mullens says they plan to complete renovations on the building in June…

Cut 10 (05) “in Louisiana”

LSU and Southern are Louisiana’s only two licensed growers of medical marijuana. Mullens says students under the age of 21 are prohibited from working at the facility. She says the product should become available by late summer….

Cut 11 (10) “work out”

For a Louisiana patient to receive medical marijuana, the prescription must come from a licensed doctor and it’s only for those who suffer from seizures, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis or have cancer.

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Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry is proposing a bill that would substantially increase legal penalties for campus hazing related incidents, in response to the 2017 death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver. Hazing is currently covered by education statues, and not criminal statues, and carries a fine of 100 dollars or less, plus a possible 30 days in jail. Landry’s bill would change that.

Cut 12 (09) “in jail.”

Under the proposed legislation, if the incident involves serious injuries, or death, the penalty would escalate to 10,000 dollars and five years in jail.

Landry says the current penalties are far too low for such a dangerous activity.

Cut 13 (10) “a crime.”

Under current law, Landry says fraternities, sororities, or other school organizations are rarely held liable in the event of a hazing related death. Landry says that needs to change.

Cut 14 (11) “was occuring.”

Fishermen are kicking into high gear to satisfy the big desire for seafood in the Lenten season. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Three men are in jail charged in connection with the death of a 19-year-old girl found in a wooded area in Livingston Parish. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jim Shannon.

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Catholics are cutting back on eating meat for the Lenten season, in most places, that’s a sacrifice, but for spoiled bayou Catholics, it’s not too tough. Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board member Chalin Delaune says there’s a good supply of seafood, but the cold weather could keep crawfish prices high.

Cut 3 (10) “the year.”

But seafood isn’t just crawfish, Lent is peak oyster season, and Delaune says shrimp lovers are in for a treat.

Cut 4  (09) “for shrimp” 

This year, Wildlife and Fisheries is barring crabbers from removing any females for 60 days, not just the immature ones. Delaune says that means crab lovers may have to stick to eating males for the time being.

Cut 5  (10)  “harvest females”

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For many couples, Valentine’s Day usually features  a nice dinner out. But Lake Charles-based Waitr is preparing for a big day of in home deliveries. CEO Chris Meaux says they were surprised at the amount of orders they got last year, an 1100-percent spike over a normal weekday…

Cut 6 (10)  “a year.”

This year, Waitr is looking to cash in on a jackpot as Valentine’s Day falls the day after Mardi Gras.  So some may be “partied out” and not want to think about going out to eat.  Meaux says they are counting on those scenarios…

Cut 7 (10)  “our offices.”

Meaux says after seeing a big increase in home deliveries last year, the company realizes there’s a new trend in the way customers celebrate Valentine’s Day…

Cut 8 (12) “for that.”

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Livingston Parish deputies have arrested three men in connection with the death of a 19-year-old female. The body of Emily Rodgers was found Tuesday in a wooded area off Catfish Landing Road in Maurepas. Sheriff Jason Ard says they’ve arrested Justin Scivique, Derek Williford and John Cowart….

Cut 9 (05) “ended her life”

Cowart has been charged with second-degree murder. Ard says the other two men were not truthful about Rodgers whereabouts when questioned by detectives…

Cut 10 (06) “her body”

Ard says they are still awaiting autopsy results to determine how Rodgers died. The sheriff says all they know at this point is that Rodgers knew the three suspects, but they were not linked romantically. The sheriff says  they first learned that Rodgers, originally from Ponchatoula, was missing on February 9th …

Cut 11 (09) “Livingston parish”

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The LSU Vet School is providing care for goose who was pierced with an arrow.  The wounded goose was found near the LSU Lakes and captured by Wildlife and Fisheries crews. The goose’s wing is pierced, but Vet school spokesperson Julie Thomas says the waterbird doesn’t appear to have any other injuries…

Cut 12 (08) “the wing.”

Following an initial checkup, Thomas says veterinarians feel the goose shouldn’t be grounded too long…

Cut 13 (08) “term effects.”

Since there is no identification on the goose, they will not give the goose out for adoption.  Thomas says once he has recovered, he will live in the wild again…

Cut 14 (10) “release it.”

Officials do not know by whom or where the goose was shot.

The Baldwin Police Department is damaged and one inmate is injured following a fire.  Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in a Mississippi deer near East Carroll and Madison parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.

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The Baldwin Police Department was heavily damaged in a fire yesterday afternoon.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says a person in a holding cell was severely injured…

Cut 3 (07) “burn injuries.”

Browning says the investigation is in its early stages and they are still trying to determine the exact location where the fire started…

Cut 4  (11) “that soon.” 

It will be a while before normal operations can resume in the Baldwin Police Department.  Browning says the building sustained quite a bit of damage…

Cut 5  (10)  “into service.”

Browning says they continue to conduct interviews and will talk with the jailed man when he has sufficiently recovered.

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A survey by offers-dot-com finds the average consumer will spend 55-dollars on Valentine’s Day this year. Spokesperson Sarah Hollenbeck says consumers in Louisiana are more traditional when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts…

Cut 6 (07)  “diamond rings”

Hollenbeck says many Louisiana couples do not have big plans on Valentine’s Day…

Cut 7 (10)  “romantic restaurant”

Hollenbeck says 27-percent of Louisiana shoppers admitted they wait until the week of Valentine’s Day to buy their gifts. She says many will get their sweetheart something for their sweet tooth…

Cut 8 (05) “this year”

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Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf  has broken ground in Baton Rouge, slated to open in late 2018.  The ten-million-dollar entertainment venue will feature 15-hundred square feet of private event space and 72 climate controlled hitting bays.  Spokesperson Caroline Jerome says it is the ultimate family experience…

Cut 9 (07) “moments together.”

Jerome says the Baton Rouge location will be a first of a kind in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (10) “a whole.”

With 41 venues around the world, the company is looking to bring their entertainment complexes to other areas.  Jerome says they can’t reveal any information now, but when asked about other Louisiana locations, she said…

Cut 11 (10) “you guys.”

It will bring 325 full and part time jobs to Baton Rouge.  They operate 40 venues worldwide including Dallas and Houston.

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Chronic wasting disease in deer has been detected in Mississippi and Louisiana wildlife officials are concerned the fatal disease will end up in the Bayou State. A four-year-old buck was found dead of C-W-D near the Louisiana border. State Wildlife Veterinarian, Doctor Jim LaCour says East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parish landowners should curtail supplemental feeding of deer

Cut 12 (06) “are infected”

LaCour says a case of C-W-D has never been documented in Louisiana, but infected deer can spread the disease even before symptoms develop and its something they don’t want in the Bayou State

Cut 13 (08) “of the deer”

C-W-D is similar to mad cow disease and L-D-W-F is working with Mississippi wildlife officials on sampling and containment. LaCour says there’s no evidence C-W-D can infect humans, but there are concerns about eating deer that had the disease

Cut 14 (10) “in an area”

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A big part of Mardi Gras is food and family. On St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, many people there are celebrating Fat Tuesday with blood relatives and a few strangers…

A Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from his injures after 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired a weapon at him.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Shreveport caregiver is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond after allegedly stealing money from an elderly, disabled patient. Jim Shannon talked to the Caddo Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.

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Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and four others, including his mother, sister and cousin.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting and Sgt. Don Coppola says that’s when the suspect started shooting at the officer…

Cut 3 (11) “was struck.”

The officer was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive the injuries.   After a brief chase, another officer was able to stop and take Thomas into custody.  Coppola says Thomas faces several charges…

Cut 4  (07) “a firearm.” 

Coppola credits the quick response by police that kept this situation from being worse than what it was…

Cut 5  (06)  “facing already.”

Coppola says they are investigating why the situation escalated to the level it did.

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An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales thought she won only 600-dollars.  Prednergast was quite surprised when she found out at the lottery office she won 525-thousand-dollars…

Cut 6 (10)  “of suprise.”

Chopin says Prendergast has been trying to win it big for sometime…

Cut 7 (11)  “January 20th.”

And what does the latest winner want to do with her earnings?  Chopin says Prendergast wanted to get a good cup of coffee…

Cut 8 (10) “right now.”

After taxes, Prendergast is taking home over 367-thousand-dollars.

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A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploitation of persons with infirmities and felony identity theft after an investigation by Caddo Parish deputies. 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a disabled 65-year-old-woman and is accused of stealing more than 20,000 dollars. Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says it was a long con.

Cut 9 (10) “open accounts.”

Edwards is accused of using the victim’s personal bank accounts and credit cards to pay her bills. Chadwick says she was also able to steal the victim’s sister’s identity.

Cut 10 (09) “with that.”

Chadwick says this is the second case in the last week involving identity theft of an elderly disabled person. She wants to remind listeners to always protect their personal documents.

Cut 11 (11) “properly secured”

Edwards is being held at the Caddo Correctional Center on a 150,000 dollar bond.

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The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says if you’re holding out on getting your shot because of vaccine related rumors, you’re making a big mistake.

Cut 12 (10) “get it”

Estimates say nearly half a million people around world will die from the flu this year. Gee says if you’re concerned about potential mercury in the flu vaccine, you’re misinformed.

Cut 13 (06) “have that”

Gee says there is a lot of misinformation online and on the airwaves about vaccines and the flu. She says before making medical decisions, make sure you have trustworthy medical advice.

Cut 14 (07) “up facts”

For many this is one of their favorite weekends of the year. Jeff Palermo has more on the Mardi Gras festivities….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A majority of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation voted against the spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown. Don Molino has reaction…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The carnival season ramps up this weekend with parades all across the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans is the focal point for Mardi Gras, but the entire state benefits from an influx of tourists who want to be a part of the celebration….

Cut 3 (09) “of the state”

Weather will be an issue for the parades that roll tomorrow as some areas of the state could see a couple of inches of rain. But Nungesser knows that will not dampen the spirit….

Cut 4  (12) “of the state” 

Nungesser plans to be in Washington DC on Fat Tuesday to promote the state’s new tourism slogan, “Louisiana: Feed Your Soul.” He says it’s his hope that it will be a safe Mardi Gras and he knows our state and local law enforcement is working hard to make sure it is…

Cut 5  (07)  “any incidents”

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Even though it looks nice today, a wet rainy weekend is still threatening to dampen Mardi Gras parades around the state on Saturday. Rain is expected, especially in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it won’t be a heavy continuous downpour…

Cut 6 (08)  “of that.”

Even though it will seem gloomy, above normal temperatures will remain, which Keim says will help it to feel more like spring…

Cut 7 (07)  “overcast skies.”

Keim says with the intermittent rain, crowds along the parade routes might be smaller than usual…

Cut 8 (07) “of people.”

There remains a chance of rain for Fat Tuesday as well, but Keim says to keep watching the forecast as hopefully, the rain chances by then will change.

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Congress approved a spending bill that reopened the federal government after a brief shutdown over the night. Louisiana’s delegation voted three to five against accepting the budget deal. Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill, saying the spending increases are not paid for.

Cut 9 (10) “new expenses.”

The bill includes a substantial increase in defense and discretionary funding, including billions in additional disaster relief money, much of which should find its way back to 2016 Louisiana flood victims. Kennedy says despite voting against the bill, he sees some upside from the deal.

Cut 10 (10) “the waste.”

Kennedy was joined in voting no by Senator Bill Cassidy, and Representatives Cedric Richmond, Mike Johnson, and Garret Graves. Representatives Ralph Abraham, Clay Higgins, and Steve Scalise voted yes.

The spending bill includes a reported 165 billion dollar increase in military spending. North Louisiana Representative Ralph Abraham says that’s what got his vote.

Cut 11 (12) “the yes”

Abraham is not happy about increasing the deficit, but he says the predictions for how much the debt will balloon may be overstated.

Cut 12 (11) “long run”

Abraham says the increase in defense spending will be a substantial boost the Louisiana economy.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers alleging that the Corps expanded the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermillion Parish beyond the borders set in a 1920s agreement. Landry says the Corps has increased the size of the waterway far past what the state imagined, which the AG says has contributed to the decline of Louisiana’s coastline.

Cut 13 (11) “particular servitude”

Landry says he’s seeking to force the Corps to roll back the waterway to the limits the state initially agreed to.

Cut 14 (11) “been lost”

The Corps routinely makes arrangements with states that allow it to construct new waterway projects. Landry says in bigger states, the Corp wouldn’t have gotten away with the over expansion.

State police will be out in full force during Mardi Gras’ final days in New Orleans.  Kelley Ray spoke with Senior Trooper Melissa Matey…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Mandeville lawmaker has filed legislation to make it easier to recall elected officials. Don Molino takes a look at the bill.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis filed legislation that would make it easier for Louisianans to recall their elected representatives. Hollis says the bayou state makes it incredibly difficult to recall a politician in a densely populated district.

Cut 3 (11) “its impossible”

Currently, 33 percent of registered voters in districts with more than 100,000 voters must sign the recall petition before a special election is triggered. Hollis says his bill would lower that number down to 20 percent.

Hollis says the bill was inspired by a failed recall effort in St. Tammany.

Cut 4  (10) “get close.” 

Peter Galvin was sentenced to two years in jail in 2014 after grifting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the parish.

If passed, recall petitions would still require tens of thousands of signatures, which means more people participating than usually vote in statewide and parish elections. Hollis says it’ll still take a serious effort to unseat an official.

Cut 5  (09)  “be imposible”

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There will be an expanded presence of state police troopers in New Orleans as Mardi Gras ramps up for the final weekend.  They have committed 165 troopers to working the French Quarter and the  metro area.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says they will perform a variety of assignments…

Cut 6 (11)  “New Orleans.”

Last year, troopers had to pull dozens of weapons off the streets.  Matey says it’s something they will  look out for…

Cut 7 (10)  “Quarter area.”

Matey says citizens can utilize a special phone app called “See Send” if they suspect suspicious activity during the celebrations…

Cut 8 (06) “of lives.”

Other tips Matey gives include not to carry large sums of money, have a plan for your children and what they should do if they become separated from you in the large crowds and remove valuables from your vehicle while it is parked.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is working to help in the adoption of 19 horses that will participate in Mardi Gras parades this week.  HSL Director Jeff Dorson says the program started last year to ensure that none of the horses used in the parade would be sold for slaughter.  Dorson is pleased at the success they have had working with Cascade Stables in helping find forever homes for these horses…

Cut 9 (10) “for Adoption.”

Dorson says with the response they received from not only Louisiana, they are hoping to make this a regular adoption event…

Cut 10 (12) “tragic endings.”

Dorson says applications for the adoption of the horses can be made online with all the information future owners may be looking for…

Cut 11 (10) “and photo.”

The Facebook page is New Orleans Mardi Gras Horses Available for Adoption.

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House Republicans are looking at renewing at least some or all of the temporary one cent sales tax as a way to address a looming one billion dollar shortfall. Houma Representative Tanner Magee…

Cut 12 (07) “bit longer.”

But Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not support any plan that maintains the current sales tax rate which is currently five percent, one of the highest in the country. And Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says legislators promised to let the temporary sales tax penny expire when they voted for it in 2016.

Cut 13 (12) “we reneged”

Edwards and the Democratic caucus have made tax reform a centerpiece of their legislative agenda, and hope to shift the tax burden away from individuals by eliminating tax exemptions that specific industries currently enjoy. James says most of all though, sales taxes hit the working class hardest.

Cut 14 (07) “in Louisiana”

Magee says he supports renewing three quarters of the sales tax, and committing a quarter of those funds to TOPS. He says Louisiana’s sales tax is different from other states, in that it has a large pool of exemptions.