Spike’s hit show Bar Rescue has rescued Big Mike’s in Denham Springs, not because they were failing but because they flooded. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is not happy with some of the Governor’s proposals for criminal justice reform. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Spike will air a special episode of its hit TV show “Bar Rescue” on Sunday, featuring Denham Spring’s own Big Mike’s. But veteran bar consultant and host John Taffer didn’t step in because the bar was failing, he helped owner Mike O’Neal reopen after his business was devastated by the August flood. O’Neal says they have no idea how long it would have taken them to rebuild on their own.

Cut 3 (11) “unrecoverable”

O’Neal says they might not have been able to reopen at all without Taffer’s help. Taffer didn’t change the sign or the name because the business had done so well, but there are some upgrades. O’Neal says the designers changed the colors, updated the equipment, expanded to nearly 11-thousand square feet, and added a second bar.

Cut 4  (11) “they did”

O’Neal says by reopening, they wanted to be a beacon of hope for the rest of the community that’s still trying to recover. He says they also want to give people a place to come and escape from their problems or even seek advice for rebuilding.

Cut 5  (11)  “still is today”

Big Mike’s episode of “Bar Rescue” airs Sunday night at 9 on Spike.

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A 24-year-old Jena woman has been arrested after allegedly running over her boyfriend with a truck then punching an EMT. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois with the Alexandria Police Department says at around 7 p.m. last night authorities responded to a call of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. He says when the ambulance came to take the victim to the hospital…

Cut 6 (11) “the eye”

Bourgeois says the driver of the vehicle, Alana Joy, was charged with aggravated second degree battery, battery of an emergency service worker and DWI. He says responding officers could tell Joy likely had a lot to drink that night.

Cut 7 (10)  “investigation”

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Tomorrow is Election Day in 37 parishes across Louisiana and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging voters to get out and cast their ballots. Schedler says the majority of the elections are local but there are several bigger seats up for vote. He says severe weather tomorrow morning could affect voter turnout.

Cut 8 (09) “turn out”

New elected U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s old seat in district 8 is one of the three open state representative seats. Schedler says the few competitive races in the state could increase the number of voters hitting the polls.

Cut 9 (08)  “quite frankly”

On the ballot for the 3^rd and 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Civil District Court in New Orleans are all female candidates.  Schedler says the polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Cut 10 (10) “code in”

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District Attorneys across the state have a serious problem with some of the Governor’s proposals to reduce Louisiana’s incarceration rate. That’s according to East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says what began as a reform for nonviolent offenders has creeped into letting violent offenders serve less time. He doesn’t believe DA’s are over prosecuting, but that other things are leading to an increased crime rate.

Cut 11 (08) “drive crimes”

Moore says one recommendation would take power away from DA’s and give it to judges in the hopes of keeping people out of jail and continue probation instead. But he says probation and parole officers are already overworked, and without that supervision, many of these people end up with more charges down the road.

Cut 12 (07) “coming right back”

Moore says the DA’s are in support of criminal justice reform, but not at the expense of public safety. He says another proposal would condense the habitual offender law. He says the law currently applies to people who commit multiple violent crimes throughout their life.

Cut 13 (13) “violent offense”

The task force that put the recommendations together says the ideas would put Louisiana where it needs to be in terms of prison population.

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The 32^nd annual World Championship Crawfish Etoufee Cook-Off takes place Sunday in Eunice. Teams will compete to see who can make the best smothered crawfish in amateur, professional and club categories. Francine Hughes, Director of the Eunice Chamber of Commerce, says a huge festival takes place surrounding the contest.

Cut 14 (09) “cooking booths”

A cook-off dance will begin the celebrations tomorrow night. Hughes says celebrity and professional judges will decide the winners in each category. She says in years past, anywhere from a thousand to 5-thousand people attend the free cook-off and it’s a great environment for the entire family.

Cut 15 (10) “of fun “

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Three people and a police K9 are dead and an officer is wounded following an officer involved shooting in Crowley. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The latest census data finds Louisiana is showing a pattern of out migration with 12-thousand more people leaving the state than coming in. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Three people and a police K9 are dead following an officer involved shooting in Crowley that also left the officer wounded. Master Trooper Brooks David says they received a call that an officer was shot around 10:30 last night. He says when troopers arrived, it was a gruesome scene.

Cut 3 (10) “and killed”

The identities of the victims have not been released, but authorities say a woman was dead when they arrived on scene. A male suspect then reportedly shot and killed the K9 before he was fatally shot by police. David says the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 4  (07) “Crowley PD”

Authorities say another female victim was discovered when detectives came back to question witnesses. David says the wounded officer is in stable condition, but it’s a tragedy the K9 was killed.

Cut 5  (05)  “his partner”

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New census numbers find Louisiana’s population was 4.6 million residents in 2016, only growing but 0.3-percent from the previous year. The Bayou State also saw a continuing pattern of out migration with nearly 12-thousand more people moving out of the state than coming in. Demographer Greg Rigamer says many citizens leave to follow the money…

Cut 6 (10) “with that”

Data also shows more people left New Orleans for other cities around the country than moved in for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Rigamer says the Crescent City continues to lack high paying jobs.

Cut 7 (09)  “people want”

Rigamer says East Parish Rouge Parish remains the largest in the state with 447-thousand people but St. Tammany Parish has grown substantially and is now the 4^th biggest parish in the state, overtaking Caddo with 253-thousand residents. He says the quality of life is good in St. Tammany.

Cut 8 (10) “stands out”

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The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the resignation comes ahead of the city council meeting where the allegations against the officer would be discussed.

Cut 9 (10)  “be necessary”

The noose was discovered hanging in the squad room with a cookie tied to it on February 24, and the sergeant was later suspended for three days without pay. Sharp says the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. He says it will be up to the Livingston Parish District Attorney to decide whether or not to file criminal charges.

Cut 10 (11) “group of people”

Sharp says the sergeant has been with the department for a long time. He says they hate to lose a good officer over a lapse in judgement, but this accusation could cast the department in a bad light if no action was taken. He says this resignation was best for the department.

Cut 11 (11) “suggest racism”

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Authorities in Rapides Parish are investigating two break ins this morning at Tioga High School and Tioga Jr. High where extensive damage was done to school property. Capt. Tommy Carnline with the Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a call at around 5:15 this morning when a janitor reported the destruction…

Cut 12 (10) “were destroyed”

The report indicates two suspects entered the school between 1 and 3 am. Carnline says they are following up on leads but no arrests have been made at this time and encourages anyone with information to come forward. He says investigators believe the break ins are connected.

Cut 13 (10) “this time”

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Mourners gathered at the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge to say their final good-byes to a fallen East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy. During the touching funeral service, Becky Anderson spoke fondly of her husband Sergeant Shawn Anderson, who was fatally shot on Saturday night

Cut 14 (09) “do it again”

Anderson was investigating a reported rape of a teenager and went to a barber shop to talk with 30-year-old Brandon Wiley. Authorities say Anderson and Wiley exchanged gunfire, killing both men.

During Becky Anderson’s eulogy of her husband, she talked about the day they meant and how the Sergeant loved his job and his co-workers….

Cut 15 (11) “brothers of SWAT “

Anderson also spoke about how her husband loved his two children, but she told the large crowd who attended the services that the family will do their best to move on without him…

Cut 16  (08)  “some rain”

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Louisiana could lose 3.6 billion dollars in infrastructure and business if no action is taken to stop shoreline erosion. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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New Tigers Coach Will Wade laid out his plans for the future of LSU basketball at a press conference in the student union today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Same sex couples would face equal penalties for domestic violence, under a proposal to be taken up in the regular session next month. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says currently, domestic violence laws only apply to household members, married or not, of the opposite sex.

Cut 3 (11) “this bill”

Connick says Louisiana and South Carolina are the only two states with the opposite sex distinction on the books. He says after talking with the DA’s it was clear something had to be done to protect all couples from domestic violence.

Cut 4  (06) “sexual orientation is”

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports Louisiana has a domestic violence rate twice the national average. Homosexuals report domestic abuse at a rate equal to or higher than heterosexuals, according to the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Connick says it happens to people in all demographics.

Cut 5  (12)  “is protected”

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The Bayou State could lose 3.6 billion dollars in homes, businesses, and infrastructure over the next 50 years if Louisiana does not take action to stop the massive coastal land loss problem. That’s according to a study by the LSU Economics and Policy Research Group. Researcher Stephen Barnes says they studied the direct impact of land loss in different areas of the state…

Cut 6 (09) “stake here”

The study determined economic losses between 390-million to 600-million dollars for Lafayette and Baton Rouge if no action is taken to restore the coast. Barnes says Lake Charles has become a hub for commerce, but it faces 490 million dollars in business disruptions from land loss.

Cut 7 (10)  “city center”

Statewide, the study finds Louisiana could lose nearly 8 billion dollars in wages and consumer spending if no action is taken to restore the coast.  But Barnes says if Louisiana goes through with its 50 year Coastal Master Plan to restore the coast, it will create jobs and boost the economy.

Cut 8 (10) “jobs”

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A Medicaid program that serves mentally ill children will remain intact after the Senate Health and Welfare Committee rejects a proposal to eliminate it. The administration proposed cutting the program by April 1 to save the state $2.2 million because of cuts to the Department of Health made in the special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns is frustrated lawmakers didn’t use more rainy day dollars to avoid this.

Cut 9 (08)  “be here today”

In 2016, more than 47-thousand children and teens received psychosocial rehabilitation services through the program. Lawmakers heard testimony about the services that would be eliminated, including one that helps suicidal and depressed teens learn coping skills so they can stay in school and out of jails and hospitals. Houma Senator Norbert Chabert says these kinds of programs have to be protected.

Cut 10 (09) “like this”

LDH must also deal with an $8.1 million budget reduction, and keeping this program means they’ll have to trim a total $10.3 million from other areas. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was shocked that a program that serves children on the autism spectrum was in jeopardy. She says there must be other ways to cut back on spending without eliminating such a vital service.

Cut 11 (12) “to govern”

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LSU officially introduced its new basketball coach, Will Wade. The 34-year-old got a crowd at the student union  fired up when he said he knows LSU can have a successful basketball program…:

Cut 12 (11) “no option to fail”

Wade’s head coaching career spans four years; two in Chattanooga and the past two at VCU. His overall record is 91-45, and at VCU he lead the team to the NCAA Tournament both years. Wade says he will do everything it takes to make the LSU basketball team the best it can be…:

Cut 13 (10) “first class fashion”

Wade takes over for Johnny Jones, who was 90-72 in five seasons at LSU. Jones was fired following LSU’s 10-21 2016-17 campaign. It’s said that Wade considers coaching at LSU his dream job because he says he’s always known there was something special here…:

Cut 14 (12) “we can make it work”

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The Department of Children and Family Services hopes to extend the age of kids in the system to 21 years old during the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU will offer the mumps vaccine to all students, faculty, and staff following the Department of Health’s confirmation of a dozen cases, most of them on the Baton Rouge campus. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana’s film tax credit program won’t get a sequel next year under a proposal by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau. Jeff Palermo has more on proposed legislation to eliminate movie tax incentives…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Children who grow out of the foster care system at age 18, are not adequately prepared to enter the real world. That’s a major concern for the Department of Children and Family Services. Manager of the foster care program Toni Buxton says these teens are faced with responsibilities like finding a job and enrolling in health insurance without any support. She hopes to see changes to foster care during the legislative session…

Cut 4  (10) “more years”

DCFS is urging legislation to be filed that would increase and extend services up to the age of 21. Buxton says these children who are age out of the foster care system are more likely to face homelessness, drug addiction and incarceration. She says they don’t have the resources to turn to…

Cut 5  (11)  “homeless shelter”

DCFS reports 23 other states have extended the age to 21. Buxton says given the state’s budget problems, they are scraping resources from their funds to assist these teens. She says it would have a significant financial impact on these kids who aren’t prepared to fully support themselves.

Cut 6 (11) “financial resources”

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Today and tomorrow, LSU will offer the mumps vaccine to all students, faculty, and staff, after the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed at least dozen cases of mumps, several of them on the Baton Rouge campus. Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez with LSU Health New Orleans says two doses of the MMR vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of a major outbreak.

Cut 7 (09)  “not perfect”

Lopez for most people, the mumps consists of fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, and swelling of the salivary glands under the jaw. He says that typically lasts for 7 to 10 days and clears up. But he says there are some people who could see serious complications.

Cut 8 (13) “in infertility”

Students and faculty who have been or could be exposed to the virus, particularly those in campus housing, are encouraged to get a third dose of the MMR vaccine. Lopez recommends that everyone on a college campus get the vaccine to prevent spreading the virus.

Cut 9 (08)  “have immunity”

The vaccines will be offered today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Union.

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Louisiana’s film tax credit program could be on its last reel, as Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau plans to file legislation that would cut the program. Luneau says in these tough budget times, lawmakers need to assess the return on investment of state funded programs. He says a recent study by LSU economist Loren Scott shows that return isn’t there when it comes to film tax credits.

Cut 10 (08) “too long”

Luneau says if that analysis is correct, the state has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the program. But Executive Director of Celtic Media Studios in Baton Rouge Patrick Mulhearn discredits Scott’s study.

Cut 11 (10) “that’s spent”

A $180 million back-end cap was placed on the film tax credit program in 2015. But Mulhearn hopes legislators work to improve the program, instead of eliminating it, because the film industry is a huge job creator.

Cut 12 (08) “are created”

But Luneau doesn’t think removing this tax incentive would destroy Louisiana’s film industry. He says there were plenty of great movies made in Louisiana before the state ever offered film tax credits.

Cut 13 (07) “afford it”

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The US Department of Education would face a $9 billion budget reduction under President Trump’s budget proposal and one of the state’s major teacher unions is not happy about it.  Les Landon with the Louisiana Federation for Teachers says it would devastate public education. And he says dollars for private and religious schools would increase by $1.4 billion to help pay for vouchers.

Cut 14 (08) “public schools”

Landon says under the proposed budget, Louisiana would lose more than $51 million in funds used to recruit, train, support, and pay teachers. He says that’s bad enough, but unfortunately it gets worse.

Cut 15 (10) “for children”

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told the National Association of State Boards of Education that the President promised to invest in underserved communities and investing in school choice programs will do just that. But Landon says they have a big problem with spending public funds on private and religious schools for “school choice.”

Cut 16 (09) “public schools”

DeVos says their goal is to provide an equal opportunity for quality education for all students.

LSU’s new men’s basketball coach is Will Wade. Jeff Palermo tells us more about the 34-year-old who leaves VCU after two seasons…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Housing Corporation launches the Housing Heroes initiative to get flood victims into affordable rental housing. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…

Cut 3 (11) “get a kid”

wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he compiled a 67-percent winning percentage. Worsham says Wade is a solid hire for LSU…

Cut 4  (12) “land him”

It’s been reported Wade agreed to a six-year deal. Worsham says the Clemson grad has a reputation as someone who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball..

Cut 5  (08)  “10 years”

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Two suspects are in critical condition in the case of an apparent robbery in which a Breaux Bridge homeowner shot the men as they were trying to enter the residence armed with a gun. Major Ginny Higgins, with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, says one of the suspect’s rang the doorbell of the resident’s home around 3am this morning…:

Cut 6 (08) “both suspects”

The suspects are identified as 26 year old Joseph Broussard of Morse and 31-year-old Drewe Schexnider of Kaplan.  Higgins says it’s unclear what the suspects intentions were, but the two were apparently involved in a similar crime a few hours earlier…:

Cut 7 (05)  “yesterday evening”

Higgins says it appears at this time to be a justified shooting, but the incident is still under investigation. She says both of the suspects were shot by the homeowner…:

Cut 8 (08) “hospital”

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Property owners in Louisiana are stepping up to help flood victims struggling to recover from the March and August floods. The Housing Heroes initiative launched by the Louisiana Housing Corporation calls on landlords to make their rental units affordable for those still in need of housing. Governor John Bel Edwards says this statewide effort is critically important to families around the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “median income”

LHC says the homelessness population in Louisiana doubled after the floods, and this program seeks to use available resources to get that rate back down. Edwards says renters make up 35-percent of the state’s population, and one in four flood victims are renters. He says federal dollars will be available to help these people get back into rental properties.

Cut 10 (08) “to recover”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development says there are 373 flood victims still staying in hotels and an additional 45-thousand living with friends and relatives. Manager of Fairway View Apartments in Baton Rouge, Charmaine Roddy, says they opened 45 units to flood victims in August. She says they did what they could to make the units as affordable as possible.

Cut 11 (09) “rent free”

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Today is Ag Day — one to celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture; and recognize the contribution of the industry in our everyday lives. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says today is also a celebration of the fact that, out of the entire industrialized world, we enjoy the lowest cost of food..:

Cut 12 (06) “every day”

Strain says, given the historic floods in March and August, 2016 was a difficult year for many farms across the state — both large and small. He says all one would have to do is travel to a foreign country that doesn’t have enough food to truly appreciate what the agriculture industry means…:

Cut 13 (07) “successful”

Strain says farmers do important work to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging. He says farmers are eternal optimists…:

Cut 14 (10) “bountiful harvest”

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A state law limits the search for the new State Police superintendent, as Col. Mike Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Jeff Palermo has more on the restriction…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The confirmation hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nomination are underway in the nation’s capital and he has the support of U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana residents would be able to concealed carry a firearm without a permit, under a proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The head of State Police, Col. Mike Edmonson retires this week, but a state law narrows the search for his permanent replacement. A statute requires the next superintendent to be a commissioned State Police officer who graduated from the LSP academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche says a nationwide search should be conducted.

Cut 4  (10) “in Louisiana”

Governor Edwards is expected to announce the interim head of LSP this week as Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Once an interim replacement is named, Edwards is expected to begin the process of finding a full time leader. Goyeneche hopes a measure could be filed for the upcoming legislative session to give the governor permission to seek someone outside of Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “state police”

Edmonson announced his retirement last week as the agency is facing multiple investigations looking into a travel scandal. Goyeneche says the LSP could really use a fresh voice and a fresh face to change the culture.

Cut 6 (10) “organization”

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Confirmation hearings are underway for President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch. U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports the president’s pick and says Gorsuch is especially qualified to be a justice. He says he’s read a number of Gorsuch’s opinions on cases he’s ruled on as a federal appeals judge, and it’s apparent he is extremely intelligent.

Cut 7 (12)  “the law”

Democrats are pushing back against Gorsuch because of his conservative stance on social issues. But Kennedy says Gorsuch genuinely cares about each case he tries and the individuals involved.

Cut 8 (10) “like that”

Kennedy says Gorsuch supports the separation of power and understands the role of this position as a check on the legislative and executive branches. He says Judge Gorsuch has shown a desire to rule fairly and fight for his view of justice.

Cut 9 (07)  “that person”

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Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is once again bringing back his proposal to the legislature that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. He says the Constitution guarantees our right to carry guns, and it doesn’t dictate how they should be carried.

Cut 10 (10) “to choose”

This is the third time Ivey has proposed similar legislation. Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards. For instance, to receive a permit to carry a concealed firearm, a resident must take a safety course. But Ivy argues gun owners should always be responsible, no matter how they possess a firearm.

Cut 11 (11) “proper training”

Ivey adds that prohibited persons like convicted felons would still be barred from carrying under his proposal. He says this bill is part of a larger national movement towards constitutional carrying, and other states already have similar laws on the books.

Cut 12 (10) “constitutional carry states”

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A state audit examining a missing 22-thousand dollars in student activity funds from West Ridge Middle School in West Monroe has been turned over to law enforcement. Roger Harris with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says over 11-thousand dollars was collected from eighth graders between 2013 and 2014 for a trip to Disney World. He says there was one teacher in charge of collecting the money for the trip, Jodie Dean.

Cut 13 (09) “that regard”

Harris says there’s also another 10-thousand dollars in unaccounted money that never made it to the bank. The school’s bookkeeper, Stacey Rogers, was responsible for making deposits and keeping records of the funds. He says they’re still trying to piece together what may have happened to the money.

Cut 14 (10) “took place”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into whether criminal charges are warranted. Ouachita Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Don Coker says it’s always concerning if there’s a misappropriation of money at a school because these are taxpayer dollars.

Cut 15 (10) “has gone on”

Coker says this incident occurred several years ago, and they’ve taken steps to ensure the school’s spending has been monitored. He says the school board holds its employees to a very high standard, and they’re trying to do what’s right.

Cut 16 (07) “are responsible”

Reportedly, Dean has been placed on administrative leave, and Rogers has since retired. OPSO did not issue a comment on the audit, but a spokesperson says their investigation is ongoing.

The man accused in the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy was wanted for questioning in the rape of a teen. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As of 5:29 this morning, spring has officially sprung in the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has more on the spring forecast…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Spring is officially in the air, as the season kicked off at 5:29 this morning with the onset of the vernal equinox. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a hot and wet spring for Louisiana. He says that’s because of neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

Cut 3 (10) “three months”

Keim says this means the chances of another freeze in the Bayou State are very low, and we can expect an early start to the growing season. He says we’ve been in warm conditions throughout the winter, and the wet spring weather has already started.

Cut 4  (06) “to continue”

Keim says it’s not unprecedented for Louisiana to see a cold front in April or even May. But he says it likely won’t bring the same freezing temperatures we saw last month. He doesn’t expect the cold fronts to get that cold.

Cut 5  (08)  “has to offer”

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Authorities say the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty was the epitome of public service. Police say 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson was fatally shot Saturday night after he encountered a rape suspect at a barber shop. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says Sgt. Anderson exemplified everything a law enforcement officer should be. She says he was a true public servant who did whatever needed to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “of the road”

Hicks says the loss of Sgt. Anderson is devastating, only 8 months after Deputy Brad Garafola was killed and Deputy Nick Tullier was injured in an ambush last July. She says before that, it’d been 30 years since an East Baton Rouge deputy was killed in the line of duty in such a manner.

Cut 7 (09)  “for everyone”

Hicks says the outpouring of support from the public and law enforcement has been incredible. She says making sure the family of Sgt. Anderson has what they need is their top priority right now. She says Sheriff Sid Gautreaux was at the hospital with the family throughout the night.

Cut 8 (10) “get through this”

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State Police has identified the suspect accused in the shooting death of Sgt. Shawn Anderson with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office. Trooper Bryan Lee says 30-year-old Brandon Wiley is still in critical condition as he was also injured in the incident. Lee says Anderson was conducting a rape investigation with another deputy at a hair salon.:

Cut 9 (09)  “shots were fired”

According to authorities, Wiley was wanted for questioning in regards to the rape allegations made by a 15-year-old girl. He was remotely booked by EBRSO on the initial charges: first-degree rape, resisting an officer and with tattooing and body piercing of minors. Lee says Wiley has not been arrested yet in connection with the murder of Anderson…:

Cut 10 (09) “from there”

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The latest U.S. Censes report on income finds 44-percet of children under the age of 5 in New Orleans, are living in poverty. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that’s a very concerning number. He says we’ve seen statistics like this for a while.

Cut 11 (09) “a trend”

Rigamer says living in extreme poverty makes it difficult for these children to get ahead in life. He says this is a daunting problem everyone tries to address but more can be done.

Cut 12 (08) “educational facilities”

Rigamer says the median income for a household in Orleans Parish is very low, in the upper 30-thousands. He says focusing on improving education could help put an end to young children living in poverty.

Cut 13 (10) “good jobs”

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A north Louisiana lawmaker believes he has the solution to Louisiana’s ongoing midyear budget cuts. Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin says the Revenue Estimating Conference consistently overestimates how much money the state will bring in, which leads to midyear cuts every year.

Cut 14 (10) “the reduction”

Fannin says he plans to propose a bill in the upcoming fiscal session to limit the amount of money the state budgets each year. He says the plan would limit lawmakers to using only 98-percent of the revenue forecast by the REC. He says that way if they come up short, midyear cuts wouldn’t be necessary.

Cut 15 (08) “with excess”

Fannin says if the state reaches the estimate three years in a row, they could go back to budgeting 100-percent of the funds. He says he proposed a similar idea under former-Governor Bobby Jindal, but it didn’t gain much traction. He says Governor John Bel Edwards supports the plan. But he doesn’t expect everyone in the legislature to back the bill.

Cut 16  (10)  “discussion about it”

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Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

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Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

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The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

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The sixth ranked LSU baseball team finished off a sweep of Georgia with 7-6 win on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium. Kramer Robertson drove in four runs and Greg Deichmann and drove in two runs. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight in six innings to improve his record to 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri on the team’s 16th win of the season…

Cut 18 (19) “our winning”

Georgia pitchers hit 12 LSU batters during the three-game series. But the Tigers scored 34 runs and  Mainieri says anytime you can sweep a team in the SEC, you have to be happy…

Cut 19 (19)   “scoring”

Caleb Gilbert earned the save, but the Tigers also got two good innings out of relief pitcher Matthew Beck. Mainieri likes what he sees from the Alexandria native…

Cut 20 (17)   “we can count on”

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

______________________________________

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

_________________________________________________________

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Michellle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As federal lawmakers devise a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, US Senator John Kennedy says he will vote for any plan that’s better than Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Department of Health confirms 12 mumps cases, and a state health official predicts this developing outbreak will only get worse before it gets better. Medical director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says mumps has a long incubation period, which means it can be two to three weeks after someone is exposed before they show symptoms.

Cut 3 (09) “lag time”

The first cluster of cases has been identified on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The university is taking extra precautions to prevent the spread among students and faculty. Welch says you can protect yourself by receiving two doses of the mumps vaccine and know the symptoms of mumps.

cut 4  (08) “both sides”

Welch says if you see anyone exhibiting those symptoms, tell them to self-isolate and avoid other people. He says following these precautions will slow the mumps outbreak. He says with this being St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there’s a concern the disease will spread.

Cut 5  (11)  “through saliva”

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US Senator John Kennedy says there are problems with the House Republican’s plan to overhaul the nation’s health care law, but he’s confident it will be improved as it moves through the legislative process. Kennedy likes that the House bill is not as generous with tax credits as Obamacare, but it’s not ungenerous either.

Cut 6 (10) “to buy insurance”

Giving states more flexibility with how they operate Medicaid is one of the changes Kennedy would like to see with the GOP health care plan. He also wants to see more healthcare assistance for those that need it.

CUT 7 (08)  “the help”

Opponents of the proposal say more people will become uninsured. But Kennedy says that’s because their plan repeals the individual and employer mandates. He says at least some people will decide not to purchase insurance and give up their coverage.

Cut 8 (08) “the American way”

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A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed five abandoned puppies in February. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office says a concerned citizen contacted the Humane Society after seeing the abandoned puppies on the side of the road.

Cut 9 (10)  “they were dead”

Haley says they launched an investigation, and a tip led them to 25-year-old Shawn Glen Jones of Angie. He says initially, Jones denied knowing anything about the puppies, but as the questioning continued, the truth eventually came out.

Cut 10 (09) “at the location”

Haley says Jones still denied shooting the puppies, until detectives learned he had obtained a .22 caliber rifle just before the shooting. He says the suspect did not have the weapon with him when he dropped off the puppies, but…

cut 11 (08) “the puppies”

Jones is booked on five counts of cruelty to animals, and he’s being held in the Washington Parish Jail on a $15,000 bond.

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There have been three arrests made in the case of a noose that was found hanging at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Major Eddie Thibodeaux says detectives began investigating the incident on March 7^th. He says two juveniles and one 18-year-old, Judah Barber of Opelousas have been charged with…

cut 12 (06) “to intimidate”

The incident began after three black boys and three white boys were arguing on the baseball field. Thibodeaux says even though hanging the noose was meant as a joke, it is humiliating and hateful.

Cut 13 (06) “lives”

Thibodeaux says one of the juveniles involved performed well in school but made a very bad decision when participating in hanging the noose.

cut 14 (10) “his life”

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