Non-custodial parents are now able to make child support payments through MoneyGram. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association launches the “Fight for Film” campaign. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In response to the financial changes facing the state, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System is consolidating eight of their rural campuses. President of the system, Dr. Monty Sullivan, says they want to maintain and sustain the mission of two year colleges.

Cut 3 (10) “financial stability”

For example, the Northwest Louisiana Technical College in Natchitoches will become part of the Central Louisiana Technical Community College on July 1^st. Sullivan says the mergers will allow them to focus on these rural campuses and ensure their two-year colleges can stay open.

cut 4  (07) “create savings”

Sullivan says consolidating these campuses will save money and continue their mission of helping students move on to a four-year university or prepare Louisianans for technical careers. He says it’s their hope that students in the system will see very little changes.

Cut 5  (09)  “to attend”

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Non-custodial parents in Louisiana can now make child support payments through MoneyGram at retail stores like WalMart, CVS and Albertsons. Director of Child Support Enforcement with the Department of Children and Family Services Lydia Scales says this is a more convenient way to pay rather than purchasing stamps and mailing in money.

Cut 6 (08) “credit card”

Scales says they often hear excuses from parents who don’t have custody, that it’s too difficult to make a payment. She says making cash payments through MoneyGram will allow these people to contribute more to their children.

CUT 7 (09)  “payments”

Other states are already using MoneyGram for cash child support payments. Scales says there is a four-dollars fee, but the convenience pays for itself. She says parents do need a few things in order to send support to their children through MoneyGram…

Cut 8 (10) “14695”

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The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association has launched a campaign aimed at urging the legislature to make changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Jim Hornbeak sits on the LFEA’s Executive Board. He says right now there’s no guarantee a movie-maker will receive tax credits, and it negatively impacts many locals…:

Cut 9 (05)  “restaurant industry”

The state’s film-tax incentive program was capped in 2015 at $180 million dollars a year, and a lot of the industry left for better deals in other states. Hornbeak says the “Fight For Film” effort is all about putting faces to those Louisianians who thrive when a movie is filmed here…:

Cut 10 (08) “tax credits”

To see the videos associated with the campaign, visit FilmLouisiana.com. Hornbeak, who is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Ranch Film Studios in Chalmette, says the film industry has supported 13,000 jobs with average salary of $60,000 per year. He’s hoping to see some tweaks in the existing cap…:

cut 11 (10) “standpoint”

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Louisiana is set to benefit from ExxonMobil’s $20 billion investment in the Gulf Coast. Baton Rouge Refinery Manager Mark Northcutt says the Grow the Gulf initiative will strengthen and grow Exxon facilities in the Capitol City. He says Baton Rouge is home to one of the world’s largest refineries, as well as world scale chemical operations.

cut 12 (13) “position of strength”

Northcutt says another facility in Baton Rouge produces aviation lubricants. He says they’ve already invested $200 million into this facility, which created 400 construction jobs during development and 45 new permanent jobs at the facility.

Cut 13 (10) “Baton Rouge facility” 

Northcutt says they want to grow these Baton Rouge facilities even more. He the increased supply of natural gas in Louisiana is a big advantage for the chemical industry in the Gulf Coast. He says Exxon is looking for site for a new steam cracker facility, and the Bayou State could be a contender, if the state can provide a stable and predictable tax environment.

cut 14 (10) “in Louisiana”

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association hosts their annual summit today in Lake Charles with a new hope for the future of the industry. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A report shows only 49-percent of obese people say they are trying to lose weight, down from 55-percent. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more and more babies are born with syphilis. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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There’s a renewed sense of optimism for the oil industry, according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, who host their annual summit today in Lake Charles. LOGA Vice President Gifford Briggs says higher oil prices aren’t the only thing contributing to their uplifted spirits.

Cut 4  (12) “rolling back regulations”

LOGA says 2017 is a critical year for the oil and gas industry. Briggs says that’s because the industry is starting to rebound after a two year recession. He says with the new president and the prices rebounding, this is the time for people to start making investments and bring people back to work.

Cut 5  (11)  “those investments”

Briggs says Exxon’s commitment to make a $20 billion investment in the Gulf and the plans for the Bayou Bridge Pipeline are promising signs for the industry as a whole. He says people have been asking to replace our old infrastructure for a long time.

Cut 6 (09) “for Louisiana”

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The rate of babies born with syphilis is rising in Louisiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC found the rate of congenital syphilis rose by 6-percent nationwide between 2014 and 2015. Director of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases for the Office of Public Health, Dr. DeAnn Gruber, says the problem is even worse in Louisiana than the rest of the country.

Cut 7 (06)  “other states”

According to the CDC, 83 out of every 100-thousand babies born has congenital syphilis. Gruber says her office is doing everything they can to reduce these rates. She says in 2014 the legislature passed a law that requires women to get tested for diseases throughout their pregnancies, not just in the first trimester.

Cut 8 (12) “that’s needed”

Gruber says babies born with syphilis can have complications and various types of disabilities. She says the Office of Public Health is doing interventions, provider outreach, and education to decrease the rate of congenital syphilis, and it looks like their methods are paying off.

Cut 9 (09)  “number decrease”

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A recent study shows fewer fat people are trying to lose weight. A report from Georgia Southern University found that overweight people who said they are trying to lose weight fell from 55-percent down to 49-percent. Executive Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Rudy Macklin, says people are abandoning their weight loss efforts for a variety of reasons.

Cut 10 (10) “physically active”

Macklin says people may be getting discouraged because they aren’t seeing results right away. The study suggests being overweight could be becoming more acceptable. But Macklin doesn’t think that’s the case. He attributes the decline in people losing weight to busy schedules.

Cut 11 (11) “things like that”

The nationwide study found the obesity rate is highest for black women with 55-percent being obese. Macklin says here in Louisiana, income and family environment play a big role in many of these women’s lives, leaving little time for exercise and cooking healthy meals.

Cut 12 (10) “one job”

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Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to cut the red tape so Louisiana can get started on coastal restoration projects. Executive Director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority, Johnny Bradberry, says the projects are part of the coastal restoration masterplan.

Cut 13 (07) “to do these”

Bradberry says the projects will be funded through BP’s restoration payments to the state over the next few years. He says the President is looking for projects that are ready to go and having funding methods in place. He says they’re hoping Mr. Trump can help fast track the federal approval process.

Cut 14 (10) “these projects”

Bradberry says two of the projects are sediment diversion, others prevent saltwater intrusion into our marshes, and another introduces freshwater into the Maurepas Swamp. Bradberry says these projects are vital because they protect industries that operate along Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 15 (11) “three years”

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Louisiana Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament at 5:30 today as the one of the hottest teams in the league. They’ve won eight of their last nine. Bulldogs head coach Eric Konkol believes his young team can win this tournament and receive automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 16 (17) “offense”

Tech will play the winner of last night’s game between UAB and Charlotte. Konkol says for them to win this tournament, good play will have to start on the defensive end

Cut 17 (15)  “awful lot”

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NFL teams can begin signing unrestricted free agents this afternoon and for the first time in several years, the Saints have some salary cap space to work with. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristan Garic, doesn’t anticipate the Black and Gold making a huge splash, but they will look to bolster the offensive line…

Cut 18 (20) “possibility”

Trades can also made once the new league year starts this afternoon. There’s been a lot of speculation about the Saints trading former first round pick and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Garic says the Saints are asking a lot for Cooks…

Cut 19 (14)   “gets done”

The Saints also have to make a decision on defensive tackle Nick Fairly. The Mobile native performed well under a one-year deal last season, but Garic says the Saints might not get that same production if Fairly signs a contract for multiple years…

Cut 20 (19)   “open market”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase funding for public schools. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A federal judge once again blocks a state law that would prohibit women under 21-years-old from exotic dancing. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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No charges are expected in the fatal shooting that occurred when a 40-year-old man attempted to break into a Baton Rouge home this morning. Authorities say Anthony Gordon was shot and killed by the homeowner during a confrontation, after forcing his way into the house at around 1:30 a.m. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says the homeowner had every right to defend his home.

Cut 3 (10) “something wrong”

Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene. Moore says an investigation into the shooting is underway…

cut 4  (05) “justified shooting”

Baton Rouge police say Gordon was armed with a gun when he tried to gain entry into the home. Moore says Louisiana law allows homeowners to use lethal force to defend themselves…

Cut 5  (07)  “every case”

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State funding for public schools is at a standstill, as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a proposal that does not increase state funding per student. Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, Scott Richard, says the outlook for K-12 schools is pretty bleak.

Cut 6 (09) “funding formula”

Richard says like anything else, the cost of operating a school is going up every year, but funding has not increased. He says federal funding is also in a decline, which leaves local school districts to pick up the lion’s share of the costs.

CUT 7 (10)  “serious concern”

BESE says continued state budget problems makes it difficult to ask and receive an increase in state funding. Richard says educating our children should be more of a priority for lawmakers.

Cut 8 (10) “year after year”

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It looks like the coaching days of Johnny Jones are coming to an end. Jones has been the head basketball coach at LSU since 2012, where he won more games in his first four years than any other basketball coach in the school’s history. But the team failed to make the NCAA Tournament last year and this season, they only won two SEC games. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham…

Cut 9 (07)  “basketball”

Worsham says the biggest problem with Jones was his inability to get more out of last year’s team with talented players, like Ben Simmons.

Cut 10 (11) “program’s reputation”

Worsham says LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva has money to spend and should be willing  to invest in a good basketball coach….

cut 11 (08) “head coaches”

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A federal judge in New Orleans has once again blocked a state law that makes the minimum age to be an exotic dancer 21-years-old. Three strippers filed suit after the state legislature passed the legislation last year and their attorney is Harry Rosenberg….

cut 12 (07) “vague”

The women were 18, 19, and 20 when the suit was originally filed. Rosenberg says Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling ensures the law will not go into effect until this case goes to trial at a later date.

Cut 13 (09) “from dancing” 

Rosenberg says their argument to the court was that the law prohibited women aged 18 to 20 from expressing their right to free speech through dance. He says the basis for the court’s ruling granting the injunction stemmed from the extremely broad nature of the law.

cut 14 (11) “broad”

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One year after the March flood devastated parts of north and central Louisiana, flood victims are still trying to recover. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Bossier City Police Department is reminding residents not to fall for telephone scams. Emelie Gunn has more on people receiving calls from individuals claiming to be the IRS….

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Department of Transportation breaks ground on cable road barriers that will be installed on the median of LA 3132 in memory of a young woman who lost her life in a 2013 accident. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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One year ago today, heavy rains began pouring down on north Louisiana, causing the worst flood the area has seen in hundreds of years. The flood prompted a federal disaster declaration for 37 parishes. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’s frustrated no state or federal money has been handed out to help flood victims rebuild their homes. He says many flood victims are paying for repairs out of pocket or getting help from other organizations.

Cut 4  (11) “church based help”

Abraham says for some, the Great Flood of 2016 refers only to the devastating August flood in south Louisiana. But he says he was waist deep in water during the flood in north Louisiana, and 21-thousand households was damaged. But he says homeowners weren’t the only ones impacted by the March flood.

Cut 5  (11)  “us everyday”

Another 6-thousand structures were also impacted by the flood. Officials estimate road and bridge damage alone is over $20 million. Abraham says the next step is allocating the federal funds to rebuild infrastructure and help business owners and flood victims rebuild as quickly as possible.

Cut 6 (09) “back together”

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The Bossier City Police Department is warning residents of telephone scammers claiming to be the IRS and requesting money. Sgt. Brian Griffith says they’ve received multiple reports of phone calls stating a payment needs to be made over the phone or an arrest warrant will be issued for the individual. He says the IRS will never ask for personal information or take payments over the phone.

Cut 7 (07)  “for that”

Griffith says anytime someone receives a call from the IRS asking for credit card or banking information, it’s usually a scam.

Cut 8 (09) “been using”

Griffith advises anyone who receives a similar call to immediately hang up the phone.

Cut 9 (09)  “as possible”

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Construction has begun on cable barriers along the median of LA 3132 in Shreveport thanks to the efforts of a grieving mother. Tammy Willson of Haughton lost her daughter, Casey Colley, in 2013 when a truck crossed the median of the highway. She says after her daughter’s death, she knew she had to do something in Casey’s memory that would also give back to the community.

Cut 10 (10) “other lives”

Willson says if those road barriers had been up, she would still have her daughter today. She says she reached out to lawmakers to get the funds appropriated to place cable barriers along a 10 mile stretch of the highway.

Cut 11 (09) “make it happen”

Willson says the funds paying for the barrier were already appropriated for other transportation projects. But she says she worked with lawmakers to get the money directed for this cable barrier. She says this is the kind of investment that can save lives.

Cut 12 (07) “to stop”

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US House Republicans have presented their plan for replacing the Affordable Care Act. The new plan scraps fines imposed on taxpayers who do not purchase insurance and instead offers tax credits to those who purchase coverage in the open market. Chief Healthcare Economist for Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Mike Bertaut says that has huge implications for the marketplace.

Cut 13 (09) “20-percent”

Under the new proposal, people who let their policy lapse would face penalties, including a potential premium hike of 30-percent for up to a year. Bertaut says under Obamacare, tax credits are based on income. But he says under this new proposal, by 2020 credits will be based on age.

Cut 14 (11) “4-thousand dollars”

Bertaut says the goal is to deliver the plan for the American Healthcare Act to the Senate by April 1. He says people’s biggest complaint about the ACA was how much premiums rose after it was enacted. He says that’s because more people had access to coverage, many for the first time in their lives, which drove up the cost of healthcare.

Cut 15 (09) “catching up on”

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Tonight could be the final game for Johnny Jones as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Tiger-rag-dot-com reports Athletic Director Joe Alleva is expected to hand Jones his pink slip shortly after the Tigers are eliminated from the SEC Tournament. Jones was asked whether he thought he deserved another season

Cut 16 (16) “concentration on”

Jones is completing his fifth season as the Tigers head coach. Two years ago, he took LSU to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, LSU failed to make the Big Dance, despite having the eventual number one pick in the NBA draft on their team. This past season, LSU went 2-16 in the SEC. Jones on his time as head coach at LSU…

Cut 17 (09)  “do that”

LSU faces Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament tonight. Jones remains optimistic the Tigers can make a run in this tourney…

Cut 18 (19) “working toward that”

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The Sun Belt Men’s basketball tournament begins today in New Orleans. 12th seeded ULM faces Arkansas State this afternoon and then at 5:00 UL Lafayette will take on Little Rock. The Cajuns already beat the Trojans twice this season and Coach Bob Marlin knows it won’t be easy to get a third win

Cut 19 (20)   “semifinals”

UL Lafayette enters the tournament as the seventh seed, but they are also on a six-game winning streak. Marlin believes they are one of the best teams in the Sun Belt…

Cut 20 (13)   “Little Rock”

The Federal Court of Appeals in New Orleans has approved the removal of Confederate monuments in the city. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Jennings woman is facing additional charges for allegedly lying about how her 4-year-old niece was set on fire. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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New Orleans city officials are moving towards taking down Confederate monuments now that the federal appeals court has ruled they can be removed. Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s office says they are taking bids and a contract will be awarded in 25 days. Vice President of the Monumental Task Committee Gary Mason says they advocate tolerance and respect rather than removal…

Cut 3 (10) “new monuments”

The court criticized groups seeking to keep the statues for arguments that have no legal viability. Mason says while they are disappointed with the ruling, The Monumental Task Committee is still reviewing their legal options. He says people visit New Orleans for city’s history…

cut 4  (12) “unique”

On the other side, Take Em Down NOLA coordinator Malcolm Suber says they are elated with the court’s decision to give New Orleans the right do whatever they wish with the statues in the city. But he says this is only a partial victory…

Cut 5  (08)  “the job”

Suber says the real problem with these statutes is they are memorials to people who stood for the enslavement of African people.

Cut 6 (10) “public spots”

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A Jennings woman is facing additional charges for allegedly lying about how her 4-year-old niece was set on fire. State Fire Marshal’s office spokesman Brant Thompson says 29-year-old Gail Brown is accused of having sex for money at a home, while her 6-year-old daughter and the 4-year-old niece were in a vehicle…:

CUT 7 (10)  “the 4-year-old”

Thompson says the victim is being treated at a pediatric burn unit in Galveston, Texas. He says the child was able to leave the vehicle when her clothes were on fire and run to the home…:

Cut 8 (10) “engulfed in flames”

Brown was booked for prostitution, child desertion, and false swearing for the purposes of violating public health or safety. Thompson says instead of immediately taking the child to the hospital, Brown went in another direction to try to hide her own criminal activity..:

Cut 9 (10)  “crews”

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Spring football begins Saturday for the LSU Tigers and Head Coach Ed Orgeron said today there will be an open competition for starting quarterback. Danny Etling is the clear front-runner, after starting 10 games last season. But Orgeron says the other QBs on the roster look good as well

Cut 10 (12) “looking good”

During spring football, LSU will be installing a new offense under first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Orgeron says Canada will be able to adapt to whoever is under center taking snaps

cut 11 (10) “known for”

LSU’s offense is expected to revolve around running back Derrius Guice, who rushed for nearly 14-hundred yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Orgeron expects Guice to only get better under new running backs coach Tommie Robinson…

cut 12 (12) “Tommie Robinson”

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The U.S. Department of the Interior announces they will offer 73 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico up for sale for exploration in the oil and gas industry. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Eric Smith does not expect energy companies to have much interest…

Cut 13 (08) “in leasing” 

The lease sale includes about 14-thousand blocks in all areas of the Gulf. Smith says these acres up for grab likely won’t turn things around for Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico’s energy sector. He says previous sales were extremely slow in this area.

cut 14 (10) “administration”

This is the first oil lease sale covering the entire Gulf of Mexico since 1983. Smith says he does not have high hopes for this sale given the low price of oil but is optimistic conditions will change as President Trump is pushing for energy independence.

Cut 15 (10) “obligations are” 

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The American Cancer Society has set a goal to increase the nation’s colorectal cancer screenings by 80-percent in 2018. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Louisiana could be in trouble if a wildfire breaks out, as a state official says there’s a shortage of firefighters with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The contractor arrested on multiple charges of fraud against flood victims has been booked back into the Ascension Parish Jail on additional charges. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (34) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The American Cancer Society has set a goal of 80-percent of Americans to be screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. That means 417-thousand people in Louisiana need to be screened to reach that number. Tulane Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Jordan Karlitz says colorectal cancer is a major health issue in Louisiana.

Cut 4  (10) “United States”

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Louisiana has one of the highest rates of the development and mortality from colorectal cancer. But Karlitz says the Bayou State is on its way to improving that statistic, because more people have health insurance to get screened…

Cut 5  (09)  “in Louisiana”

Karlitz says if you notice any changes in your stool or have a history of colorectal cancer, getting screened before the recommended age of 50 could be necessary. He says this cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.

Cut 6 (08) “point here”

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President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban has many immigrants concerned, including some in Louisiana. Iraq has been dropped from the new order, but six countries including Libya remain on it. Ibrahim Matri (Ib-ruh-ham Mah-tree) is an LSU student from Libya, and he questions why some countries are on this list.

Cut 7 (12)  “understand that”

Matri says his family was planning to come visit soon, but the original ban made it difficult to know what to expect. He says with this revised ban taking effect soon, it looks like he will have to stay put for a while and see how things progress. He says he’s worried other countries will follow suit.

Cut 8 (08) “domino effect”

Matri says for now he’s just focusing on school, as his prospects for continuing his education and finding a job have changed since the ban was ordered. But he says he understands that tensions are high in Libya and other countries and that people want to be cautious.

Cut 9 (11)  “and whatnot”

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Recent state budget cuts to the Department of Agriculture means Louisiana might not have the necessary resources to fight wildfires. That’s according to Ag Commissioner Mike Strain, who says one of the issues with the Gatlinburg fire in Tennessee is that the federal government decreased their firefighting budget. He say that means there wasn’t appropriate forest management.

Cut 10 (12) “massive fire”

Strain is concerned continued cuts to his department will lead to a tragic event like this in Louisiana. He says the midyear cut lawmakers levied against the Department of Agriculture is over $1.2 million. He says he only has 53 firefighting teams for the entire state.

Cut 11 (10) “and the aircraft”

Strain says those 53 teams are responsible for 14 million acres of forests. He says they may not have enough firefighters on hand if things go badly.

Cut 12 (12) “of the state”

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The contractor who has been arrested for multiple charges of fraud was arrested again after using false receivables as collateral for his bond when he was in the Ascension Parish Jail. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says 39-year-old Matthew Morris, owner of Complete Construction Contractors, was booked back into their jail after detectives discovered issues with Morris’ cash bond…

Cut 13 (10) “was revoked”

Morris is also facing charges in Baton Rouge, Walker, and Denham Springs in addition to Ascension Parish. Wiley says Morris took advantage of flood victims by inflating fraudulent estimates for home repairs and never completing the job.

Cut 14 (10) “August flood”

Wiley says Morris violated the terms of his bond by convincing a bank to give him a line of credit based on money he falsely claimed he was owed by flood victims. He urges anyone who believes they have been a victim of Morris’ scheme to come forward.

Cut 15 (10) “responsible”

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Louisiana Tech is ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll. It’s the first Top 25 ranking for the Bulldogs baseball program in three decades as the team is off the school’s best start at 11-1. First-year head coach Lane Burroughs…

Cut 16 (11) “offensive club”

Tech is coming off a weekend sweep over Wichita State. The Diamond Dogs scored  33 runs in those three games. Senior third baseman Chase Lunceford is the Conference USA hitter of the week. Lunceford hit .421 during five games last week and drove in at least one RBI in each. Burroughs says the Mississippi native is more than just a great hitter

Cut 17 (18)  “to hit”

Tonight, Louisiana Tech begins a four-game road trip at Mississippi State. Burroughs says it’s another opportunity for his team to make a statement…

Cut 18 (13) “of it”

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Weather permitting, the 7th ranked LSU Tigers are set to host San Diego at Alex Box Stadium. It would be the first ever meeting between the two teams. But there’s a very good chance for rain tonight. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri is hopeful they can play

Cut 19 (12)   “anyway”

Freshman Zack Hess is tonight’s scheduled starter. Last week, he gave up two runs in 4.2 innings. Mainieri hopes to see a better game from Hess tonight…

Cut 20 (07)   “bit longer”

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond has apologized for joking that President Trump aide Kellyanne Conway looked familiar while on her knees on a couch in the Oval Office. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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President Donald Trump signs a revised immigration order prohibiting new visas for citizens from six Middle Eastern countries. Emelie Gunn has local reaction.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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US Representative Cedric Richmond says he’s sorry for making a joke about a viral photo of President Trump aide Kellyanne Conway. Richmond said Conway looked familiar while kneeling on an Oval office couch. President of the National Organization for Women in Baton Rouge Angela Adkins says apologizing was the right thing for Richmond to do.

Cut 3 (10) “inappropriate comment”

Adkins says Richmond does a lot of good work for women, and she believes he made a mistake. She’s glad he realized it was a mistake and is optimistic he won’t make derogatory comments in the future. But she says the Congressman’s joke says a lot about the national dialogue about women.

cut 4  (12) “thought they were”

Adkins says to change this dialogue, women and their supporters need to speak up if someone says or does something in appropriate. She encourages people to be engaged in the conversations about women and stay informed about policies lawmakers propose in the upcoming regular session.

Cut 5  (10)  “go buy lattes”

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The Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for a change of speakers at a police training program scheduled to begin tomorrow in Alexandria. John Guandolo is one of the presenters at a three day training even hosted by the District Attorney’s Office. CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw says Guandolo is a discredited former FBI agent who promotes anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.

Cut 6 (08) “terrorist threats”

McCaw says Guandolo is diverting police resources away from the real threats in local communities by portraying all Muslims as potential terrorists. He says perpetuating these kinds of stereotypes is dangerous.

CUT 7 (11)  “Muslim American citizens”

Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says there are no plans to remove Guandolo as a speaker. He says the educational seminar is sponsored by law enforcement agencies across the country. He says terrorism is a real threat, and police need training like this to know how to handle potential attacks.

Cut 8 (10) “law abiding citizen”

Terrell says police also hold training exercises on how to deal with biker clubs and local gangs, but that doesn’t mean they single out everyone on a Harley. He says the seminar isn’t directed at anyone but criminals.

Cut 9 (08)  “pure and simple”

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President Donald Trump signed a revised version of his travel ban prohibiting new visas for citizens from six Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham supports the revised travel order…

Cut 10 (10) “very guarded”

Executive director of the Louisiana ACLU Marjorie Esman remains skeptical of the president’s intentions.

cut 11 (10) “coming home”

Abraham says America has to be very cautious these days. He says he disagrees with those who support open borders because we need to protect our country first…

cut 12 (07) “and again”

But Esman says the president issued an order that indirectly bans Muslims from entering the country. She says keeping members of that religion out of the United States is Trump’s priority.

Cut 13 (08) “actually happens” 

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The town of St. Joseph is finally getting a brand new water system and Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand today for the groundbreaking. Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Baxter Payer says this was a very important milestone for the Tensas Parish town…:

cut 14 (09) “from their tap”

Edwards issued a public health emergency for St. Joe after lead was detected in its water system in December. Payer says it’s incredible how quickly the more than $9 million dollars came together to make this crucial project possible…:

Cut 15 (10) “the governor”

Payer says more than 12 miles of new pipe will be laid, 525 new water meters installed, and new fire hydrants placed. She says their office along with the Department of Health is going to continue to ensure that the town of 1200 has the water they need in the meantime..:

Cut 16  (10)  “going on”

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Louisiana is on its way to being one of the top states in the country when it comes to computer science graduate production. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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Lake Charles is hosting 20 more teams than usual for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament that begins today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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College campuses in Louisiana are deteriorating, according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana is on track to become one of the top states for computer science graduates. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says by using a digital media incentive, Louisiana was able to attract major players in the IT business to the state. He says all corners of the Bayou State are seeing growth in this department.

Cut 4  (12) “bossier area”

Louisiana has invested over 38 million dollars in the computer science and engineering departments at universities. Pierson says the major companies are foundational players that allow graduates in computer science to easily get jobs in the IT sector. He says the next step is to encourage students to go into this prosperous industry…

Cut 5  (10)  “these industries”

Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com (louisianajobconnection.com) is a way to connect graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector. Pierson says it’s important to embrace these jobs in technology that will dominate in years to come.

Cut 6 (11) “are graduating”

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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will speak before the Baton Rouge Press Club today and continue his push for resuming trade with Cuba. Strain spoke at the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction and said next year the island nation is going to buy two billion dollars worth of food products from somebody…:

Cut 7 (10)  “500 million dollars”

Strain says one in three acres of America’s agricultural production is sold offshore, and in Louisiana over $8.3 billion in ag production is sold to a foreign country. He says the stock market has been shooting up, but not commodity prices – and lawmakers need to know the importance of protecting rural economies…:

Cut 8 (09) “industries”

Strain says Cuban leaders have expressed a desire to develop more agriculture on the island, lessening its reliance on some types of imports. He says the United States has 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries…:

Cut 9 (08)  “of dollars”

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College campuses in Louisiana are falling apart because of continued budget cuts to higher education. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson, who says deferred maintenance at UL system campuses has reached about $365 million, and that number keeps growing annually.

Cut 10 (10) “short term decision”

Henderson says lawmakers have to find a way to invest in these state owned facilities on college campuses before it’s too late. He says what would be a small issue today can become a major problem down the road if you don’t address it.

Cut 11 (09) “energy efficient”

Henderson says all these things take a back seat when you have to make payroll, teach classes, and keep up with everything else that happens on university campuses. He says Louisiana is the 16^th lowest funded state for higher ed out of the 16 southern region states.

Cut 12 (10) “one of them”

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Beginning today, 48 teams vying for 12 state titles are in southwest Louisiana for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament. Before the split playoffs between select and non-select schools, 28 teams competed for 7 titles. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games.

Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”

All games are played at Burton Coliseum. Zartler says at this point, they have no idea how many people to expect. He says even with all the flooding and bad weather last year, they still saw a good turnout. He’s hoping blue skies will encourage even more fans to come out.

Cut 14 (09) “their team”

Zartler says with 20 extra teams this year, everyone is excited for Marsh Madness. There have been rumblings that other cities like Alexandria and Lafayette are hoping to host future tournaments. But Zartler says they can’t worry about what other cities are bidding. He says they can only control their own destiny.

Cut 15 (12) “until they leave”

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The 2nd ranked LSU baseball team won one, lost two at the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic in Houston. The Tigers finished the weekend with a hard fought loss 5-4 defeat to 10th ranked Texas Tech. Senior pitcher Hunter Newman suffered the loss when he deflected the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 16 (20) “for us”

On Friday, LSU lost to top ranked TCU and beat Baylor on Saturday. Mainieri says he’s not discouraged over the results of the weekend…

Cut 17 (20)  “today”

Despite the loss on Sunday, freshman Eric Walker pitched very well. The Texas native allowed one run on six hits in six innings. The right-hander says he’s starting to feel more comfortable pitching to college hitters…

Cut 18 (15) “next Sunday”

A ceremony is being held in New Orleans on Saturday to honor the hundreds of Louisiana National Guard airmen deploying to Europe. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The mosquito population is Louisiana has exploded with a warmer winter than usual. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A former-Neville high school choir teacher is facing additional counts amid allegations he was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. 25-year-old Christian Amos was arrested for allegedly giving pot to students and possibly enticing them to have sex with them. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again.

Cut 3 (09) “suspended”

Amos resigned as the Neville choir director in January without explanation. The suspect is being held at Ouachita Correctional Center on a laundry list of charges. Jones says the acts the former choir director is accused of are outrageous.

cut 4  (08) “about it”

Amos’ charges include prohibited sexual conduct between a student and educator, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, and distribution of marijuana. At least five victims have come forward with claims that Amos provided them with weed at his apartment and requested sexual acts. Jones says if convicted, Amos’ record will prevent him from being hired anywhere in the state.

Cut 5  (11)  “those kinds of things”

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Over one thousand archers from 45 Louisiana schools will compete in the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament tomorrow in Shreveport. The students will compete for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship and the chance to go on to the national tournament. Jan McGovern with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the scholarship is for any post-secondary education…

Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

McGovern says during the tournament, archers will participate in a 3-D and bullseye competition. She says the ALAS program teaches archery skills to kids in 3^rd to 12^th grade and gives students a lifelong skill and allows them to participate in a team sport…

CUT 7 (10)  “other classes”

McGovern says the competition takes place at the Shreveport Convention Center at 8 a.m. and tickets are 5 dollars for adults. She says the program has grown rapidly in public schools since it came to Louisiana in 2012…

Cut 8 (06) “curriculum “

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Nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard are deploying to Europe, and a farewell ceremony is being held in their honor on Saturday in New Orleans. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says they’re sending 270 airmen and 12 F-15 fighter jets to the European Command.

Cut 9 (12)  “in Europe”

Hasenkampf says demonstrating the United States’ commitment to NATO is a national priority. He says for LANG to be able to participate is an honor and a privilege. He says the airmen will participate in critical training missions during the 90 day deployment.

Cut 10 (08) “NATO allies”

Hasenkampf says the deployment ceremony will take place at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans at 2pm. He says this is a chance for the airmen to bid farewell to their families and for LANG to honor their service.

cut 11 (11) “this mission”

Also Saturday, more than a dozen Airmen with the Louisiana National Guard will bid farewell to their families and friends at the Camp Beauregard Post Theater in Pineville at 8am.

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With a warmer winter than usual, the mosquito population has exploded in Louisiana. LSU Assistant Professor of Entomology Kristen Healy says temperature plays a lot into mosquito development. She says the insects are more active when the weather is a little warmer but rain is also factor that plays into an increase in mosquitos.

cut 12 (06) “for them”

Healy says with the increased mosquito population, there is also an increased risk for contacting mosquito borne illnesses.

Cut 13 (10) “their development” 

Healy advises everyone, regardless of what the mosquito population is look like, to be wary of West Nile Virus and protect yourself with EPA approved repellents. She also recommends reducing standing water in your backyard can ward of infectious mosquitos.

cut 14 (09) “trashcans”

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A Spirit of America Rally will take place Saturday on the steps of the State Capitol to support President Trump. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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More low income parents who have students attending failing schools are using another option other than taxpayer funded vouchers to send their child to a private school. Halen Doughty has more on the state’s growing tuition donation rebate program…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Spirit of America Rally will be held on the steps of the State Capitol tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to show support for President Donald Trump. Similar rallies have taken place throughout the week, leading up to this event. Leader of Gator PAC Col. Rob Maness says Trump supporters will address what they hope will be a large gathering…

Cut 4  (09) “to speak”

Tickets are not required to attend. Maness encourages everyone to wear their “Make America Great Again” attire.

Cut 5  (07)  “supporting America”

For more information visit Tea-Party-of-Louisiana-dot-net (teapartyoflouisiana.net). Maness says it’s time for the country, regardless of political party, to come together to support President Trump.

Cut 6 (04) “about unity”

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Over 20-thousand Louisiana taxpayers are due a refund from the federal government and time is running out to claim them. I-R-S spokesperson Bill Brunson says these individuals have not received their refund, because they didn’t file a 2013 federal income tax return. He says citizens due this cash must file the necessary paperwork by April 18.

Cut 7 (11)  “general fund”

Brunson says the median potential refund is $763. He says it can be hard for people to get their W-2 or 1099 from three years ago because the taxpayer may not have the same employer. But he says the IRS can help with that.

Cut 8 (08) “no charge”

Brunson says people can request a Wage and Income transcript at IRS.gov. The IRS estimates more than $21 million in unclaimed refunds may be available to Louisiana taxpayers. Brunson says unfortunately, the IRS deals with this every year.

Cut 9 (10)  “timely manner”

To find out if you filed your 2013 taxes, call the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040.

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The third annual Louisiana Winter Beer Festival takes place tomorrow in Lake Charles at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank building. Co-chair and co-founder of the Festival Nick Villaume says they chose Lake Charles to host the event to show off the culture and history of the city. He says they’ve created a world class festival that can stand up to one in a major market.

Cut 10 (10) “as well”

Tickets are 50 dollars per person and are available on la-winter-beer-fest-dot-com (lawinterbeerfest.com). Villaume says what makes the Winter Beer Festival special is their big focus on Louisiana breweries. He says over 125 beers are on the menu from about 45 different breweries this year.

Cut 11 (09) “hot blooded”

Villaume says Crying Eagle Brewery is hosting a Louisiana Brewers Ball tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He says they’re also introducing another Louisiana beer at the festival.

Cut 12 (06) “s well”

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A program that covers most of the cost of private and charter school tuition for low income students is growing rapidly, giving students zoned for failing schools an option other than taxpayer funded vouchers. The tuition donation rebate program was established in a bill by River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot. He says this program puts students on a path to success.

Cut 13 (08) “a fact”

The money to support this tuition program comes from corporations and private donors and it helps pay for a significant portion of a child’s tuition, with parents covering the remaining costs. Talbot says the way it is set up, local schools do not lose state funding and companies who donate receive rebates, so they lose very little as well. He says it’s a win-win for the students and the state.

Cut 14 (08) “of dollars”

When the tuition donation rebate program began in 2014, only 63 students received scholarships, and now over 16-hundred students are attending private schools on scholarships from the program. Talbot expects it to grow even more in the coming years. He says Arete Scholars Louisiana and ACE Scholarships Louisiana administer the scholarships, and parents pick the school.

Cut 15 (10) “accepting vouchers”

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LSU gets a chance to face some of the best teams from the Big 12 this weekend when they compete in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Tonight, LSU faces top ranked TCU, on Saturday it’s undefeated Baylor and Sunday its 21st ranked Texas Tech. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says this weekend will continue the process of building a championship-caliber team

Cut 16 (20) “ball clubs”

All three games will be played at the home of the Houston Astros. Mainieri says he wants his team to embrace this challenge…

Cut 17 (20)  “to LSU”

Shortstop Kramer Robertson played in this event in 2015 and the Tigers won all three games, beating Houston, Baylor and Nebraska. Big crowds are expected this weekend and Robertson says at least they know what it’s like to play in front of several thousand fans

Cut 18 (16) “like that”