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.

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…: