LSU’s 2018 recruiting class ranks outside of the top 10 for the first time in several years. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A TOPS task force is passing along its recommendations for saving the scholarship program to the legislature. Matt Doyle spoke to the chairman of the task force..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Pineville-based Cleco Corporate Holdings has acquired South Central Generating LLC, which includes nine utility cooperatives and eight generating assets in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, totaling one-billion-dollars.   Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they will be able to significantly increase the scale of their operations in Louisiana with the ability to provide over 35-hundred megawatts of power in all three states…

Cut 3 (08) “seventy percent.”

In their intent to file, as a new unregulated subsidiary, Cleco Energy plans to take over utility operations in New Roads.  Cahill says this will be a seamless transition for their customers…

Cut 4  (10) “be impacted.” 

To reaffirm their commitment to Louisiana, Cahill says Cleco Energy will maintain the current workforce…

Cut 5  (09)  “support employees.”

The sale is expected to close by the end of the year.  Cleco serves approximately 288-thousand customers in Louisiana.

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The Coast Guard rescued four people  from the Lower Atchafalaya River south of Patterson after an emergency landing of a twin-engine plane.  Petty Officer Lora Ratliff says the pilot was flying from Slidell to Patterson late Tuesday afternoon when the Coast Guard in New Orleans received an emergency call…

Cut 6 (12)  “the river”

Ratliff said the pilot made a valiant effort trying to avoid the emergency landing of the Piper PA-34 twin-engine plane, but realized he couldn’t make it to an airstrip…

Cut 7 (10)  “emergency landing.”

One person suffered a minor injury.  There is no word on why the plane was low on fuel.

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The TOPS task force formed five months ago to find a long term solution to funding the scholarship program has decided against endorsing a single position, and instead is submitting a series of proposals for the legislature to consider. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says he hopes the results will help legislators when voting on potential changes to TOPS in the upcoming regular session.

Cut 8 (07) “other side.”

Morrish’s proposal to turn TOPS Opportunity into a 4,000 dollar stipend instead of a full ride scholarship is one of the plans included. He says his suggestion could save the state an estimated 20 million dollars a year.

Cut 9 (09) “year program”

Morrish is encouraging the public to read the task force’s proposals.

Cut 10 (09) “else’s position.”

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LSU missed out on signing the nation’s top cornerback on National Signing Day. Recruiting analysts had Patrick Surtain Junior signing with the Tigers, instead the five-star prospect chose Alabama. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it was imperative for LSU to sign Surtain, because they only have four scholarship cornerbacks on the roster

Cut 11 (10) “to LSU”

LSU also did not a sign a four-star cornerback from Missouri. Mario Goodrich  chose to play for Clemson instead. But LSU signed two of the state’s best prospects, Scotlandville safety Kelvin Joseph and Rummel wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Moran says Coach Ed Orgeron’s staff did well recruiting the Bayou State

Cut 12 (11) “Surtain Junior.”

24-7 sports ranks LSU’s recruiting class as 14th best in the nation. The worst ranking for LSU since 2005, which was Les Miles first class. Moran says Orgeron’s staff did well in adding depth to the offensive and defensive lines, but signed just  one five-star prospect…

Cut 13 (10) “the top”

State Police reinstates a highway safety traffic program. Michelle Southern reports changes have been after a TV news report found troopers receiving overtime pay, even though they were at home

Cut 1 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

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The state may have a new way to deal with invasive Asian Carp spreading through the waterways. Matt Doyle talked with a chef for his buttery solution to the threat.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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U-S Representative Clay Higgins has the fewest amount of campaign dollars out of the Louisiana Congressional delegation and mid-term elections are in November. Kelley Ray spoke with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A highway traffic safety enforcement program that resulted in some state troopers receiving overtime pay when they were at home has been reinstated after new rules were put in place. The investigation by WVUE-TV in New Orleans led to the suspension of three troopers. State Police Major Doug Cain says changes have been made to prevent payroll fraud

Cut 4  (12) “those improvements” 

Cain says some of the adjustments were common sense improvements that improved accountability.

Cut 5  (09)  “are working”

The Fox 8 TV investigation found Trooper Daryl Thomas made 240-thousand dollars a year by abusing the LACE program. Troopers will still be paid for working extra shifts, but Cain says there’s now a maximum time a trooper can work…

Cut 6 (05)  “all overtime”

Troopers will now not be allowed to log time spent traveling between their assigned parish and their home.

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A Louisiana chef has found a solution to the invasive and very large Asian Carp. It involves a little white wine and butter. Fishermen have been asking what to do if a 100-pound Asian Carp jump out of the water and into their boat, which has been known to happen. Chef Philippe Parola has developed a way to cook the Sliverfin…

Cut 7 (07)  “and prepare.”

Parola’s put together an easy to use recipe called Silverfin Cakes for restaurants. The recipe has already launched in Illinois, and he expects to launch soon in Louisiana, two states suffering millions in damages from the nonnative fish, which poses a threat to recreational and commercial fisheries.

Parola says if you catch an Asian Carp, don’t toss it back, toss it in Tony’s.

Cut 8 (11) “twenty five minutes.”

The Carp do have a large bone that needs to be removed. But Parola he says if cooked right they have a wonderful flavor, similar to lemon fish.

Cut 9 (07)  “and prepare”

Parola expects to have the first Louisiana Asian Carp cakes served at Tulane University’s kitchen.

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3rd District Congressman Clay Higgins has 50-thousand-dollars in the bank for a re-election bid and still needs to repay seven-thousand-dollars in debt from his 2016 campaign.  Political analyst Bernie Pinosnat says even though Higgins is well liked in southwest Louisiana, he needs more funds to get re-elected…

Cut 10 (09) “work hard.”

Higgins has the fewest dollars on hand out of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation as mid-term elections take place in November.  Fellow first-term Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson has bankrolled 451-thousand-dollars.  Pinsonat says if Higgins expects to win, he’ll need more money to get his supporters to the polls…

Cut 11 (10) “of money.”

Festivities surrounding Mardi Gras are happening across the state starting this weekend. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Monroe-based CenturyLink is opening a new outbound sales center bringing 150 jobs to the area.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Many folks think that Mardi Gras is a celebration that only takes place in Southeast Louisiana, but festivities surrounding Carnival are happening across the state. They do it big in Alexandria with two weekends packed with fun events. Kelli West with the Convention and Visitors Bureau says tonight Pineville will roll with their massive 4th Annual Light the Night Parade:

Cut 3 (11) “two cities”

West says once the parade is over tonight, the Light the Night After-Party kicks off at 8pm in downtown Alexandria. She says Saturday morning for the second year in a row, the town of Ball will host a big parade at 10am along Hwy. 165…:

Cut 4  (09) “as well” 

The Acadiana region celebrates Fat Tuesday in a huge way with events that draw over 200,000 people every season. That’s according to Executive Director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot. He says the city of Lafayette holds parades over the next two weekends, and rural communities do Mardi Gras their own special way…:

Cut 5  (08)  “twenty or thirty minutes”

Berthelot says their events are known for being extremely fun, in a very family oriented and safe environment. He says another giant draw to their area for the party beings on February 9th at Cajun Field called Le Festival de Mardi Gras…:

Cut 6 (10)  “great fun”

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Monroe-based CenturyLink is opening a new outbound sales center bringing 150 jobs to the area.  The center will be located on Forsythe Avenue.  CenturyLink spokesperson Anne Marie Sartor says the center will focus on small businesses throughout the country in helping them with their communication needs…

Cut 7 (09)  “them grow.”

A job fair will be held later this month in Monroe to help fill the new jobs.   Sartor says there will be a couple of ways people can apply for the jobs…

Cut 8 (11) “Garden Inn.”

CenturyLink recently merged with Level 3 Communications.  Sartor says there was initial concern as to how the merger would affect employees in the Monroe area.  She says if anything, they have be able to strengthen their status as the largest Fortune 500 Company in the state…

Cut 9 (10) “it well.”

CenturyLink will now have nearly 25-hundred employed in their Monroe operation.

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An Offers.com survey says Louisianans are the top spenders this year for Super Bowl parties. Even though the Black and Gold missed the Super Bowl by a hair, big game parties will still be raging across the state. Offers.com spokesperson Carson Yarborough says Louisiana spends nearly 40 percent more per party than the average state.

Cut 10 (11) “national average” (2x)

Forget gumbo, jambalaya or crawfish, Yarborough says Louisiana has a fairly standard go to for Super Bowl snacks.

Cut 11 (09) “this Sunday”

Yarbrough says there’s another category the bayou state paces the nation in.

Cut 12 (06) “have fun.”

The Super Bowl kicks off at 5:30PM Sunday.

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Punxsutawney Phil and Louisiana’s own nutria forecaster Pierre C. Shadeaux are at odds in their predictions this year.  Phil saw his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter, while Shadeaux didn’t see his in New Iberia today and says we will see a longer spring, delaying summertime heat longer.  LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says Shadeaux’s prediction may be closer on the mark…

Cut 13 (10) “telling us.”

Keim says it’s understandable everyone wants to see spring come sooner since January was a very harsh month in Louisiana, even though it was predicted to be milder than usual…

Cut 14 (08) “of salt.”

Big celebrations are scheduled across Louisiana for Mardi Gras this weekend.  However Keim says take the rain gear with you…

Gas prices are seeing an unusual spike for this time of year, according to AAA. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An Amtrak train carrying Republican members of Congress, including Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Garret Graves, hit a garbage truck near Charlottesville, Virginia.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today is the deadline for retailers to mail notices to Louisiana residents who purchased products online, but did not pay sales tax at the time of purchase. Customers are required to include these forms so they can pay those taxes when they file their taxes this year. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says after you receive the notice, you have two options.

Cut 3 (10) “our website.”

Henderson says if you’re thinking of skipping out on the taxes, just know the state now has an easy way to double check that you’ve paid them.

Cut 4  (11) “tax returns” 

Henderson says if you fail to report these taxes, it’ll cost you.

Cut 5  (05)  “could apply”

Louisiana customers won’t need to worry about Amazon, as they charge sales tax at the time of purchase.

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Louisiana drivers continue to see higher gas prices and a return to three-dollars a gallon may not be too far off.  The current average for a gallon of regular gasoline is 2.43, up from six cents a week ago.  Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says oil is trading at around 64-dollars a barrel.  He says demand is driving the oil market…

Cut 6 (11)  “seen that.”

Redman says drivers should be concerned about where oil may end up by summer.  He says with increases coming on a daily basis, we may be paying much higher prices during the busy travel season…

Cut 7 (09)  “in Louisiana.”

Redman also says refineries will begin the process of changing to summer blend which always tacks on extra cost to consumers…

Cut 8 (06) “over with.”

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I-10 westbound was closed for several hours this morning at the West Pearl River Bridge in Slidell due to multiple accidents involving two 18-wheelers that were hauling live bees. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 8 vehicles were involved in the crash and first responders were dealing with a mess…:

Cut 9 (09) “the cargo”

Dwight says thankfully they were able to contain the bees fairly quickly, but it was quite a task…:

Cut 10 (09) “plus career”

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An Amtrak train carrying Republican members of Congress to a retreat in West Virginia, including Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Garret Graves collided with a garbage truck near Charlottesville, Virginia.  Officials says one in the garbage truck is dead and another seriously injured. Cassidy explains what happened…

Cut 11 (06) “got stuck.”

Cassidy says he was fortunate and he and his wife Laura were not injured, but says other passengers felt the brunt of the collision, which derailed the train.  Doctors on board began assisting the passengers in the garbage truck immediately…

Cut 12 (12) “attended to.”

Both Cassidy and his wife are doctors.  They rushed to the garbage truck and describes the scene of the collision…

Cut 13 (06) “serious condition.”

Graves’ office has confirmed he is ok.

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Louisianans looking to buy local products at their grocery store should look for a new logo. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says they have overhauled their Certified logo program with flashier, more diverse logos to further highlight goods made in the Bayou State.

Cut 14 (10) “of Louisiana”

The program also features a new website.

For a product to be Certified Louisiana, it has to pass state and federal food safety tests, and be made primarily in the Pelican State. Strain says there’s a couple of different certified options for products that pass the test.

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Officials cut the ribbon today on the LSU Center for River Studies, which features a 747 sized model of the bottom tip of the Mississippi river at. Jeff Palermo spoke to a scientist on why its important…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans Police say several French Quarter strip clubs lost their liquor licenses because of criminal activity including prostitution and narcotics. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue begins accepting state income tax returns today.  There are several ways to file, including electronically on the LDR website.  Spokesperson Bryon Henderson says it’s the easiest and safest way to file…

Cut 3 (12) “60 days.”

If you decide to use a tax preparer to file your return, there are several things the Department of Revenue wants you to be aware of.    Henderson says it’s important to find a reputable preparer.  Before signing, Henderson urges you to double check your information and meet with the taxpayer in person…

Cut 4  (09) “for you.” 

Henderson says taxpayers can minimize delays in getting their refunds by making sure their personal information with the Department of Revenue is current…

Cut 5  (10)  “contact information.”

Their website is revenue-dot-louisiana-dot-gov-forward-slash-file-online.  The final day to file is May 15^th.  Federal income tax returns can be filed starting today also, with a filing deadline of April 17^th.

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Officials are cutting the ribbon today on the new LSU Center for River Studies, which has a massive, interactive model of the bottom 179 miles of the Mississippi River. The project is the result of a collaboration between LSU and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Director Clint Willson says it gives coastal scientists a powerful tool in the fight against coastal erosion.

Cut 6 (12)  “have available.”

The model is roughly the size of a Boeing 747, and can simulate one year of river flow in one hour.

Willson says the model will be a great way to get the next generation interested in protecting the bayou.

Cut 7 (11)  “coastal issues.”

Willson says the exhibit will provide a fantastic area for policy makers and activists to network over coastal issues. He says the front line workers in particular will enjoy the space.

Cut 8 (11) “potential projects”

Willson says the project is scheduled to be open to the public in the next month or two.

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Several strip clubs on Bourbon Street have had their alcohol licenses pulled by the ATC after investigators say they found multiple instances of prostitution, lewd acts and, in some cases, illegal drug activity. NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says they have a strong commitment to keeping the city free of criminal activity…:

Cut 9 (08) “in New Orleans”

Harrison says each business has been told in writing, what offenses lead to their suspension — in many cases narcotics, but in every case prostitution. He says they had been getting complaints from citizens and from other businesses that this type of activity could have been taking place…:

Cut 10 (10) “undercover operatives”

The ATC says more than 30 cases of prostitution were discovered, along with lewd acts. Harrison says this is an ongoing operation that is not over yet. He says if anybody chooses to create victims of human trafficking to turn a profit, you know should cops are still on alert…:

Cut 11 (06) “as well”

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Three hunters from West Feliciana Parish lost their lives in the Buffalo River area in Wilkinson County, Mississippi after their pontoon boat capsized.  Two adults and a child were among the bodies recovered from the chilly water Sunday afternoon.  Woodville Police Chief Jessie Stewart says authorities from several different agencies responded to the scene after hearing from a survivor of the accident…

Cut 12 (07) “notified authorities.”

Officials believe the hunters were using the pontoon boat as a duck blind, it capsized after they stepped on it and the victims were trapped underneath. Stewart says the river’s cold temperatures didn’t help their chances of survival…

Cut 13 (05) “foul play.”

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The Slidell Police Department arrests two Gulfport men for allegedly trying to sell fake flat-screen televisions. Detective Daniel Seuzeneau says they got a report about the suspects’ activities taking place at a gas station near a Mardi Gras parade route. He says cops moved in to check the serial numbers on the TVs, and quickly learned that they weren’t stolen…:

Cut 14 (10) “inside the boxes”

47-year-old Clover Sims and 44-year-old Lloyd Bradley are charged with theft by fraud. Seuzeneau says thankfully they arrived at the scene as someone was purchasing 4 of the phony TVs for $280, but it’s believed these men have scammed several individuals…:

Several large corporations have announced they’ll be implementing pay increases this year, and one retail giant is joining in. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The Trump administration agrees to speed up the permitting process for a vital coastal restoration project. Jeff Palermo on what this means for the state…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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UL-Lafayette has been named as a top 25 college in the nation where students are eager to attend. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Several of the nation’s largest corporations announced they are giving employees a bonus as a result of federal tax reform. Walmart, who employs tens of thousands of Louisianans, announced they are increasing bottom salaries from nine dollars to 11 dollars, and authorizing up to a thousand dollars in bonuses for employees. Zachary Walmart manager Cornelius Lombard says workers appreciated the gesture…

Cut 4  (10) “and cheers.” 

Lombard says the bonuses are the results of a hugely profitable run for the retail giant…

Cut 5  (11)  “continued success.”

Walmart has come under fire in recent years for paying workers poverty level wages. Making Change at Walmart Director of Communication Amy Ritter says Walmart’s thousand dollar bonus headline was fairly misleading…

Cut 6 (05)  “400 dollars”

Ritter says the tax cut should provide the company with another 1.85 billion a year.

Ritter says even with the pay increase, hundreds of thousands of Walmart workers will still be below the poverty line. She says the costs for impoverished workers falls back on the taxpayer…

Cut 7 (11)  “care program.”

Walmart posts yearly profits of roughly 14 billion dollars, Ritter says the one to two dollar pay increases will cost the company about 200 to 300 million a year.

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UL-Lafayette has been named one of the Top 25 in U.S. News and World Report’s list of, “Universities and Colleges Where Students are Eager to Enroll.” Dr. DeWayne Bowie, vice president for Enrollment Management, says the ranking is a testament, not only to academic offerings..:

Cut 8 (08) “second to none”

Coming in at No. 24, UL-Lafayette was the only school in Louisiana named to the list. Bowie says when recruits come to campus, they like what they see:

Cut 9 (13)  “over and over again”

The list includes schools with selective admission that have a high percentage of students admitted by an institution who end up enrolling. Bowie says it’s not surprising because that’s similar to the positive feedback they get from students…:

Cut 10 (07) “visit with us”

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The Trump administration says they will speed up the approval of a key coastal restoration project. The agreement would reduce the permitting process for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project from five years to two. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says it’s a big win…

Between five and ten-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march in Saturday’s Louisiana Life March North in Bossier-Shreveport. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A federal judge in Shreveport rules against an effort to stop the removal of a Confederate monument outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. I’m Matt Doyle.

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An estimated ten-thousand pro-life supporters are expected to march in Saturday’s Louisiana Life March North in Bossier/Shreveport.  Life March North is the second of three events being held across Louisiana. Organizer Louis Avallone says the movement is much more than just protesting abortions.  It celebrates life no matter how young or old a person is…

Cut 3 (09) “long one.”

There has been a reduction in the number of abortion facilities in Louisiana.  A facility in Bossier City closed last year as recent laws passed by the state legislature have placed more restrictions on mothers seeking to terminate their pregnancy. Avallone says it’s their goal to reduce the number of abortions…

Cut 4  (04) “do that.” 

The State Department of Health says nearly 65-thousand abortions were conducted in Louisiana in 2016.  Avallone says the march begins at 10am Saturday at the Bossier City Boardwalk, crossing the Texas Street Bridge and will end at the Festival Plaza in Shreveport…

Cut 5  (11)  “of life.”

The program will include speakers from several different northwest Louisiana churches.

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It’s been a year of repairs, replacement and testing for the St. Joseph water system, but it appears it is about ready for public use again.  A public health emergency was declared in late 2016 forbidding use of the water after high amounts of lead was discovered.  State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there has been a complete overhaul since then…

Cut 6 (11)  “the homes.”

The water was contaminated with lead and was muddy and brown.  Guidry says they are in the final stages of testing and officials are pleased with the results…

Cut 7 (11)  “is clear.”

The system for St. Joseph cost nine-point-five-million-dollars, paid by state taxpayer money.  Guidry says there are many aging water systems in Louisiana needing repair, but the state can’t afford to bail every small town out…

Cut 8 (07) “St. Joes.”

The system is expected to be in full operation sometime in February.

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It’ll be a rainy Saturday across much of Louisiana. Cold weather is not expected, but the rain should come hard and heavy for most of the day. National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Jared Rackley says the rain will start Saturday in the early AM hours…

Cut 9 (10) “tomorrow night.”

Rackley says south Louisiana could see several inches of rain…

Cut 10 (06) “day tommorow.”

Sunday forecasts show mild temperatures and mostly clear skies for Sunday. Rackley says it might be a good idea to put off plans until then…

Cut 11 (08) “nice out.”

Temperatures should be in the lower 60s throughout the weekend

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A jury is deliberating the fate of Ronald Gasser, who is charged with second-degree murder of former NFL player Joe McKnight.  Prosecutors argue Gasser should spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting McKnight during a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish in December 2016.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says evidence presented shows McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car and feels Louisiana’s Castle Doctrine will weigh heavily in favor of Gasser…

Cut 12 (09) “the car.”

The defense didn’t call any witnesses and Gasser didn’t take the stand.  Ciolino says it’s usually very difficult to win a self-defense case without the defendant taking the stand.  He says there was seven hours of taped interviews submitted as evidence that defense lawyers felt was sufficient in Gasser’s trial…

Cut 13 (08) “on video.”

Based on the evidence presented, Ciolino says the chances of a second-degree murder conviction against Gasser are low…

Cut 14 (08) “deliberations go”

Deaf students are suing the Louisiana Community College System, alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Matt Doyle talked to the plaintiff’s attorney Andrew Bizer…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The attorney for former State Police leader, Mike Edmondson, has responded to a scathing audit that alleges he abused his position. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Deaf students have filed a discrimination suit against the Louisiana Community College System, alleging Delgado Community College denied sign language interpreters and other accommodations. Plaintiffs’ attorney Andrew Bizer says Delgado violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Cut 3 (08) “everybody else.”

Bizer says the discrimination directly led to a loss of financial aid…

Cut 4  (10) “the class.” 

Two plaintiffs, Lee Bruce and Ronneka Smith, have been named so far, but Bizer says he expects more to be named after the story took off on social media. Bizer says he hopes the suit will force the state to overhaul its treatment of disabled students…

Cut 5  (09)  “civil rights law”

System spokesperson Quintin Taylor says he can’t comment on pending litigation, but released the following statement: “We take this issue and all issues of accessibility of our students and faculty very seriously, we always do everything we can to provide proper access to our students and faculty.”

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Tallulah has been struggling with water issues and now an electrical transformer failure has left the city without water today. Hard freezes hampered the system earlier this month. Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Yvonne Lewis says water was restored to the city Tuesday and now another catastrophe has hit…

Cut 6 (11)  “storage tanks.”

Mayor Paxton Branch says water should be flowing again Entergy crews restored power in about 2 hours, but still need to replace a control panel, before putting the water panel back online. The school day was cut short today and Lewis doesn’t have a time table on when classes will resume…

Cut 7 (09)  “or not.”

Lewis says they are asking for donations to get the city through the lack of water…

Cut 8 (10) “-0964.”

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A mobile trailer fire in Hammond has claimed one life. Preliminary findings from the state fire marshal indicates the deadly blaze was a result of the resident using an outdoor cooking burner to heat the trailer. No smoke alarms were found and Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that tends to be the case in most fatal fires…

Cut 9 (07) “smoke alarms.”

The man’s name has not yet been released

Browning says the last month has had a noticeable spike in fire fatalities…

Cut 10 (12) “heating homes.”

Most of the spike in recent fire deaths has been attributed to people finding unconventional ways to keep warm, but Browning says year round there’s another reason for most fires…

Cut 11 (08) “around cooking.”

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Retired State Police Superintendent Mike Edmondson’s attorney has responded to a legislative audit that found evidence of misconduct and tax evasion throughout his nine year tenure. The letter touted Edmonson’s character and leadership, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there was one notable omission.

Cut 12 (07) “respond to them”

Edmondson’s attorneys say at the moment he doesn’t have the resources to respond to each allegation. Ciolino says this may be due to the breadth of allegations.

Cut 13 (10) “state officials”

Edmondson’s was accused of using a state facility for housing, and not reporting it on his taxes. Ciolino says finding a defense for that accusation will be difficult.

Cut 14 (07) “case here”

The 2018 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will feature artists including Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, and Jimmy Buffett. Michelle Southern spoke with Festival Producer Quint Davis…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Congressman Clay Higgins is co sponsoring an immigration reform bill. Kelley Ray spoke with him about why he’s join in with over 70 other House members…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The recent cold snap could cause the strawberry crop to be pushed back a couple of weeks.  There are nine to 12 commercial growers in Tangipahoa Parish.   Whitney Wallace from the LSU Ag Center says those farmers took extra precautions during the brutally cold weather and expects the crop should come through just fine…

Cut 3 (08) “great season.”

With a decline in production and available strawberries, Wallace says there might be an increase in prices at the market, but any increase will be short lived.  Many of the blossoms on the plants that weren’t protected will have to regrow again, which is a 21 day process.  She says after that, prices will stabilize…

Cut 4  (09) “cold weather.” 

Wallace says the big event of the year for Tangipahoa Parish will go on as usual.  She says there should be plenty of warm weather between now and mid-April for the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival…

Cut 5  (09)  “to enjoy.”

It’s estimated strawberry production in Louisiana is valued at 17-million-dollars.

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The 2018 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will feature Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Beck, Jack White, and Lionel Richie — just to name a few. Jazzfest will be April 27-29 and May 3-6. Festival producer Quint Davis says Aerosmith will be making it’s Jazzfest debut, but they weren’t hard to bill…:

Cut 6 (08)  “to do it”

Also included in the talent lineup this year is Bonnie Raitt, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Trombone Shorty, Steve Miller Band, and Smokey Robinson. Davis says Jazzfest this year will also be joining in the celebration of the City of New Orleans’ 300th anniversary. He says there will be a massive Cultural Exchange Pavilion featuring all things New Orleans…:

Cut 7 (10)  “festival”

The full lineup features a little something for everyone, and can be found online at nojazzfest.com. Davis says Aretha Franklin is bringing one of the biggest setups they’ve ever seen, and it might be one of her final performances. He says they are also doing a “Locals Thursday” discount day on May 3rd…:

Cut 8 (04) “remainder of 2018.”

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Now that the federal government shutdown is over, Congressman Clay Higgins is setting his sights on passing a bill to bolster the existing immigration law.  Higgins is co-sponsoring the “Securing America’s Future Act”.  The St. Landry Parish Republican  says he wants to cut through the Red Tape to ease the process of hiring an additional ten-thousand Border Patrol and Border Protection Agents…

Cut 9 (10) “new job.”

Farm owners and crawfish producers have been concerned they won’t be able to hire agricultural workers. Higgins says this bill would create a guest worker program that would address the state’s agricultural and seafood processing needs…

Cut 10 (12) “address that.”

Higgins adds there are provisions in the bill that would punish sanctuary cities, by withholding funds if deported criminals illegally return to the U.S and are protected in those municipalities.  New Orleans currently prohibits police officers from asking suspects about their immigration status.  Higgins is tired of these cities disrespecting federal laws…

Cut 11 (07) “been discarded.”

The bill is authored by Republican Virginia Representative Bob Goodlatte and has 77 co-sponsors.  The bill is currently being considered by several subcommittees…

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The governor’s proposed budget calls for an 80 percent cut in state funding for TOPS, because of a one-billion dollar reduction in state revenues. President of the University of Louisiana System Dr. Jim Henderson says a cut like that would cost students and their families thousands of dollars a year…

Cut 12 (12) “good ballpark”

Along with a massive cut to TOPS, the budget included an additional 26-million dollar cut to higher education. Higher ed dodged budget cuts last year, and Henderson says it had a big impact on the UL system…

Cut 13 (10) “five years”

According to UL analysis, Louisiana universities currently operate at the lowest per student funding in the country.

Henderson says cutting TOPS would be a betrayal of hard working students…

Cut 14 (07) “to them”

Henderson says he doesn’t believe the “Doomsday Budget” will be adopted, but he is concerned that continued uncertainty involving TOPS could drive Louisiana’s best and brightest out of state.

Governor John Bel Edwards proposed a budget today that calls for deep cuts in state funding for corrections, healthcare, and higher education including an 80 percent cut to TOPS. Matt Doyle was there…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Crawfish survived last week’s cold snap, but it could mean a delay in the season. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards presented what he called his worst-case-scenario budget today, showcasing the impact what a billion dollar loss in state funding would have on state government, The loss is a result of expiring sales taxes. Edwards says he is constitutionally limited to cutting money from two areas…

Cut 3 (12) “an yes TOPs”

The governor is proposing an 80-percent cut in TOPS funding, unless legislators can agree on a long-term tax reform plan in a February special session.

Louisiana requires the governor submit a balanced budget that takes into account projected funding levels. Edwards proposed the budget, but says he doesn’t want it passed…

Cut 4  (09) “looks like” 

In response, the governor proposed a tax reform plan to cover 994-million dollars of the budget gap.

The GOP has indicated that they would approach the cliff by reducing spending, while the governor is seeking a revenue neutral tax reform plan. Edwards challenged legislative leaders to publicly present their plan…

Cut 5  (12)  “to cut”

The governor claims he has cut 600 million dollars in state general funds since he took office two years ago.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt believes more cuts can be made to go along with any kind of tax reform plan…

Cut 6 (10)  “our expenses.”

Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says the governor’s budget is not factoring in federal tax reform money…

Cut 7 (08)  “of revenue”

Edmond says the state could have an additional 200 to 400 million dollars as a result.

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Gas prices are on the rise at a time of the year when prices traditionally go down.  Louisiana drivers are paying 2.36 a gallon for regular gasoline, while a month ago, prices were at 2.21 a gallon.   Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says high gas prices at the start of the new year may lead to an increase in prices through 2018…

Cut 8 (04) “remainder of 2018.”

Redman says demand may have been down due to the winter weather, but prices remain high due to a growing economy…

Cut 9 (10) “grow significantly.”

Redman says another reason for the high prices is domestic oil output is surpassing OPEC producing nations…

Cut 10 (05) “at home.”

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A Business Development Advisors study shows military related spending in Louisiana accounts for $7.7 billion in economic output and 77-thousand military related jobs.  That includes the seven military bases and the Louisiana National Guard.  Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says there is a forgotten group that helps to add to the economy, 27-thousand military retirees…

Cut 11 (09) “our economy”

The Trump Administration has made it clear they want to make additions to the nation’s military.  Total military spending in Louisiana was 1.52 billion in 2016, the highest since 2012.  Pierson says building up the nation’s military could directly impact the state’s economy…

Cut 12 (13) “we can”

With so many military installations being trimmed down or closed altogether, Pierson says it’s important that communication remains open with Congress to keep the military installations in Louisiana operating…

Cut 13 (10) “strong”

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Crawfish season in Louisiana may be slightly delayed this year thanks to last week’s arctic blast, but the good news is that they did survive. Dr. Greg Lutz with the LSU Ag-Center says when it gets extremely cold, crawfish just sit there and can’t move even if they wanted to…:

Cut 14 (12) “walking into the traps”