The Louisiana Republican Party is asking Congressman Cedric Richmond to apologize after making an offensive comment about Kellyanne Conway’s sitting position in a viral picture. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

President Donald Trump has signed a gun rights law by Congressman Ralph Abraham into law. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A Denham Springs teen has died after being hit by a vehicle on his way to school. Police Chief Shannon Womack says the name of the juvenile has not been released. He says they received a call reporting the incident a little after 7 a.m.

Cut 3 (06) “pickup truck”

The family has identified the victim as Bryce Edling. Womack says impairment is not suspected, but the driver is being tested. The driver’s name has also not been released. He says they believe the 15-year-old was on his way to school when the fatal accident occurred.

cut 4  (03) “high school”

_________________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge man has been arrested for the murder of his son. Sgt. Don Coppola with Baton Rouge Police says 23-year-old Tyrone Isaac got into a physical altercation with his father, Rico Wilbert

Cut 5  (08)  “result of that”

Coppola says it’s a sad situation when anyone is killed in an altercation like this, but especially if it’s a father and son. He says Isaac was shot once in the chest around 11 p.m. last night.

Cut 6 (06) “2nd degree murder”

_________________________________________________________

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says his joke about Donald Trump aid Kellyanne Conway was misinterpreted. Richmond spoke last night at the Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner and joked that Conway “looked familiar” while kneeling. Richmond was alluding to a well-known photo of Conway on her knees on a sofa in the Oval Office. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Richmond’s comment will fade away from the headlines.

CUT 7 (06)  “her own”

Dubos says Conway’s comment about alternative facts will be around a lot longer than Richmond’s comment about her sitting position. He says Richmond’s joke came after U.S. Senator Tim Scott made a lot of racial jokes before the audience.

Cut 8 (10) “CSPAN”

The Louisiana Republican Party says Congressman Richmond made a deeply offensive remark regarding Kellyanne Conway and he owes her a sincere and prompt apology. Dubos says he was watching this as it was happening and it was a light hearted setting and it’s possible Richard may have went over the line but…

Cut 9 (03)  “seriously”

_________________________________________________________

A gun rights bill by Congressman Ralph Abraham has been signed into law by President Donald Trump. The Republican from Richland Parish says the bill protects the Second Amendment rights of elderly people after a policy put in place by the Obama Administration put them in jeopardy.

Cut 10 (11) “mentally incompetent”

Abraham says under the Obama executive order, elderly people who needed help filing their taxes could no longer own or purchase firearms. He says needing help filing taxes doesn’t make someone mentally incompetent. Abraham says is glad the new administration moved quickly sign this new pro-Second Amendment law.

cut 11 (08) “understand it”

Supporters of the old rule say guns can be dangerous in the hands of people with mental disabilities. Abraham says dealing with people with true mental illnesses and disorders is entirely different, and that’s not the way the rule was written under the Obama Administration.

cut 12 (12) “gun rights”

_________________________________________________________

Congressman Clay Higgins visited the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles to discuss and inspect the structure due to some travelers’ concerns about its safety. The freshman representative met with DOTD engineers to tour the bridge. Higgins says, even though the bridge is sound, he along with DOTD feel it needs a major overhaul…:

Cut 13 (09) “with that” 

Higgins had previously drew parallels between the Southwest Louisiana Bridge and the Oroville Dam disaster in California. He says the bridge is not in danger of falling, but clearly needs things like railings, lights, shoulders to meet modern safety standards…:

cut 14 (09) “in Louisiana”

(A video of the tour was posted on Higgins’ Facebook page.)

________________________________________________________

Newly released inmates are getting access to healthcare thanks to a partnership between the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Corrections. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty” 

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says reducing minimum mandatory sentences for some nonviolent offense will be part of his criminal justice reform package in the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is a finalist to become the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Department of Corrections and the Louisiana Department of Health are teaming up to get health coverage for newly released inmates. DOC Medical Director Dr. Raman Singh says they are helping incarcerated inmates enroll in Medicaid so that once they are released, they can continue to receive the care they need.

Cut 4  (10) “disorder issues”

Singh says DOC is all about reentry and making sure released offenders succeed in their communities. He says this is good for the taxpayers as well because reducing the recidivism rate keeps inmates out of jails. He says this new program will also give offenders access to primary care physicians, instead of emergency rooms.

Cut 5  (11)  “cost efficient care”

Singh says the first phase of the program is being implemented in 7 DOC state facilities, with 230 offenders already linked to a health plan. He says from there the fully electronic system will be put in place at the local prisons, and eventually in the entire department.

Cut 6 (10) “electronically”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to present a criminal justice reform plan to lawmakers that looks at reducing minimum sentences for some nonviolent offenses. Edwards says the state is looking at proven strategies that have worked to reduce the prison population in other southern conservative states.

Cut 7 (08)  “offenses”

Edwards says we have to find a way to lower the state’s incarceration rate, because Louisiana spends $600 million a year on the Department of Corrections, which is a costly number during these tough budget times. He admits many district attorneys oppose reducing minimum sentences.

Cut 8 (07) “overall approach”

Edwards says the package he will present ahead of the regular session in April will be based on the recommendations made by his Criminal Justice Reform Task Force. He says the reforms will reduce state spending, incarcerate fewer people, and have a lower crime rate and less recidivism without jeopardizing public safety.

Cut 9 (09)  “a gamble”

_________________________________________________________

Sources say Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is one of two candidates to become the next director of the Federal Disaster Management Agency. Rainwater has an extensive background when it comes to disaster recovery from his time as a city administrator in Lake Charles to when he was former Governor Bobby Jindal’s Chief of Staff. U.S Senator John Kennedy says Rainwater would be a great choice.

Cut 10 (11) “any better”

The other candidate is reportedly Mark Merritt, a private consultant from Atlanta. Kennedy says there are still several other positions that have to go through the confirmation process before they get to FEMA. He says this includes the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch…

Cut 11 (11) “him fishing”

A final decision on who Trump will nominate to direct FEMA may not be made until April or May but Kennedy says until then…

Cut 12 (09) “for Louisiana”

_________________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge man convicted of killing his 5-year-old son will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Last month 38-year-old Vernell Day, Jr. was found guilty of second degree murder for beating his son Jay’v’une Bergin to death in 2014. District Attorney Hillar Moore says with that conviction, there was only one way the sentencing could go.

Cut 13 (10) “life imprisonment”

Police say Bergin was taken to the hospital in August of 2014 after suffering multiple blows, and the child died two days later. Moore says this man belongs behind bars. He says this is exactly what the life sentence is made for.

Cut 14 (09) “different positions”

Day’s attorneys said in court that he had no intention of hurting his son and that his daughter was in his custody for years without being hurt. But Moore says with a 50-percent survival rate for his children, Day doesn’t deserve a pat on the back.

Cut 15 (08) “him on that”

Louisiana’s Republican delegation approves of President Donald Trump’s message to Congress last night but Democrats are still skeptical. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana HBCU leaders are pleased with the president’s commitment to making historically black institutions a priority. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

An escaped work release inmate is once again behind bars after a high speed chase in Webster Parish that ended with a vehicle going airborne. Webster Sheriff Gary Sexton says deputies pulled over a vehicle for speeding down Highway 371. He says after the driver stepped out of the truck, 18-year-old Kevonte Austin took off, and deputies set up a roadblock to catch him.

Cut 3 (12) “sitting in the car”

A video of the crash shows the truck veering into the ditch to avoid the roadblock before flying over 10 feet in the air over a fence and into the parking lot of Nicky’s Restaurant, where the unsuspecting woman was sitting in her vehicle. Sexton even after crashing the vehicle, Austin wasn’t giving up without a fight.

cut 4  (11) “to the ground”

The suspect was reportedly travelling 115 miles per hour when he came upon the roadblock.  Sexton says given how recklessly the suspect was driving, it’s a miracle no one was hurt, especially the woman who was in her car when the truck landed on top of it.

Cut 5  (09)  “this today”

Sexton says Austin has been booked on charges of attempted first degree murder of a police officer for trying to run over a deputy, attempted auto theft, and numerous traffic offenses.

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Republican delegation believes President Donald Trump sent the right message in last night’s address in front of Congress. Mr. Trump laid out his plans to overhaul the nation’s healthcare system, increase military spending and create jobs. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says the President’s speech should ease the minds of many skeptics.

Cut 6 (10) “picture”

Early national polls indicate that a majority of viewers approved of the speech and more optimistic about the future of the country. But executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk remains a non-believer that President Trump will truly make America great again…

CUT 7 (11)  “that bar”

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garrett Graves says Trump’s address to Congress was the best he’s ever given. He says this speech was a homerun for Trump and it was very patriotic…

Cut 8 (09) “America first”

Handwerk says he remains unconvinced that the Republicans in Washington will be able to install a better health care system that’s currently in place. He says while the president spoke with a measured tone last night, actions speak louder than words.

Cut 9 (10)  “last night”

_________________________________________________________

A man is dead following an officer involved shooting in Houma on Tuesday night. State Trooper Jesse Lagrange says the Houma Police Department was involved in an incident with a barricaded subject when the shooting occurred.

Cut 10 (07) “the shooting”

Lagrange says they are not releasing the any details about the deceased man at this time. As LSP’s investigation into the shooting is ongoing, he says they are also not releasing any details about what may have led to the incident.

cut 11 (09) “becomes available”

_________________________________________________________

Two Sulphur residents are dead after a fire broke out in their home early this morning. Sulphur Fire Chief Dan Selph says the fire was called in by a neighbor and a witness who saw it from the interstate. He says when crews arrived it was evident that entering the home was not an option. He says it was a full blown defensive attack.

cut 12 (11) “later confirmed”

Selph says the victims were located in a part of the home that did not sustain as much fire damage as the rest of the house. He says the official cause of death for the 58-year-old woman and the 68-year-old man will be confirmed by the coroner. He says it was a tough decision to make on scene not to get aggressive and enter the burning home.

Cut 13 (10) “to go inside” 

________________________________________________________

Grambling President Rick Gallot is back from his trip to Washington where he met with President Donald Trump on the administration’s commitment to making historically black colleges and universities a priority. Gallot says, from a funding standpoint, it makes a huge difference when the White House has promised to be involved…:

cut 14 (09) “we’re encouraged”

HBCU Presidents are calling for $25 billion dollars for infrastructure, college readiness, financial aid and other priorities. Gallot says they’re hoping Congress will will bolster Mr. Trump’s action…:

Cut 15 (09) “be welcome”

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is under fire for making a controversial statement that HBCUs are pioneers in school choice, when in fact many were established because they were the only option for black students. Gallot says he understands DeVos is committed to school choice, but perhaps her comments were misguided…:

Cut 16  (09)  “white schools”

The Lenten season is now underway and many people will be eager to get their share of seafood. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

There’s been another call for State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson to resign. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Will Louisiana be the next state to get on board with a poison to control the feral hog population, after Texas recently approved it. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Bankrate.com ranks Louisiana the fourth worst state for first time home buyers. Analyst Claes Bell says one reason for the low ranking is the tightness of the housing market. He says there are fewer homes on the market in Louisiana because construction isn’t keeping up with demand.

Cut 4  (10) “first time buyers”

Bell says first time buyers in a tight housing market have a hard time competing for a home that has multiple offers, because they tend to put less money down. He adds that a big issue for first time buyers is the inability to get a loan. He says Louisiana’s high unemployment rate could be a factor for lenders.

Cut 5  (09)  “in the area”

Bell says going to a local lender instead of a national bank could give first time buyers a better shot at getting financed. He says young buyers also might not have as much credit as older buyers, and that coupled with a small down payment could make it more difficult to get a home loan.

Cut 6 (09) “as well”

______________________________________

It’s Ash Wednesday and that means the start of the Lenten season, so many people will be lining up to get their share of seafood over the next 40 days. Chairman of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board Chalin (Shal-in) DeLaune (De-lawn) says the supply of Louisiana oysters and crawfish is excellent.

Cut 7 (09)  “crawfish season”

But DeLaune says unfortunately the crab harvest is struggling in Louisiana, as there is a 30 day closure on commercial crabbing.

Cut 8 (09) “a way”

DeLaune also says shrimp is on the downside in the Bayou State this season, as the size of the prawns are relatively small. He says the size is perfect for a soup or gumbo but not so much for a boil or to fry.

Cut 9 (10)  “as well”

_________________________________________________________

Another person is calling for State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson to resign. Lloyd Grafton has recently resigned from the State Police Commission, and in his resignation letter to Governor John Bel Edwards, Grafton says Edmonson does whatever he chooses to do. He says when the commission approved a pay raise for LSP, they believed it would go to the troopers on the ground. But he says instead some of the highest ranking officials received $40-thousand pay increases.

Cut 10 (09) “management people”

In the letter, Grafton says Edmonson has no credibility when it comes to the truth and lavish spending. He says that is evidenced by the recent travel scandal where four troopers made stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon on their way to a training conference.

Cut 11 (11) “at all”

Grafton says LSP would be better off under new leadership, and US Senator John Kennedy has also called for Edmonson’s resignation. But Edmonson says he is not affiliated with the Louisiana State Police Commission.

Cut 12 (08) “state police”

An investigation into the travel incident is being conducted out of the Governor’s Office, and LSP is conducting their own internal investigation. Edmonson says they are going to get to the bottom of what happened, and then it’s time to move on.

Cut 13 (09) “moving forward”

_________________________________________________________

The Texas agriculture commissioner has approved a poison that farmers and ranchers can use to kill destructive feral hogs, so when will Louisiana get on board? Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Kaput Feral Hog Lure could become available here in a month or two, but it will only be sold to those individuals who receive proper training.

Cut 14 (09) “this product”

Strain once you complete training, you can get an endorsement needed to buy Kaput. He says they’ll keep records of who is purchasing it to make sure it’s being used properly. He says the pigs will have to be fed corn for a few weeks to get them to come in to the feeder.

Cut 15 (08) “burying them”

It’s estimated there are 500-thousand feral hogs in Louisiana and they are known for destroying fields and pastures. Strain says they hope to have the product registry open in about a week and the state will do everything it can to make sure it is used as safely as possible. He says Kaput is 98 to 99-percent effective.

Cut 16 (08) “of regiments”

______________________________________________________

The Pelicans will look for their first win with All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins in the starting line-up tonight when New Orleans hosts Detroit. Despite all the buzz the trade created, New Orleans is 0-3 since acquiring Cousins from the Sacramento Kings. Head Coach Alvin Gentry is optimistic the victories will come soon…

Cut 17 (15)  “what happens”

Cousins also feels good about the future of his new team, but it will take time…

Cut 18 (15) “starts clicking”

Both Cousins and fellow All-Star Anthony Davis are putting up good individual numbers in the three games they’ve played with each other. But the dynamic duo is not getting much help. Cousins says he’s spoken with A-D about how to get their teammates going

Cut 19 (19)   “of time”

Us News & World Report’s list of best states ranks Louisiana dead last in the nation. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A North Louisiana state House candidate is coming under fire over a blackface photo. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Tonight President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress, and even political experts don’t know what to expect. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says this address will be unlike any we’ve seen in a while, as a Republican president will go before a GOP dominated Congress. But he says that doesn’t mean either chamber will fully support the President’s proposals.

Cut 3 (07) “Obamacare”

Hogan says healthcare will be a big topic, as will the budget. He says typically presidents use this address as an opportunity to push their legislative agendas, including taxes and spending. He expects there to be more support from the GOP for Mr. Trump’s spending plan.

cut 4  (11) “cost savings”

Hogan says it’s unclear whether Mr. Trump will offer an olive branch to ease tensions or go in for the attack. He says generally presidents deliver a well thought-out, rehearsed address that clearly outlines their priorities. But he say Mr. Trump is anything but predictable.

Cut 5  (07)  “will go”

_________________________________________________________

Mardi Gras 2017 could go down as the warmest Fat Tuesday on record in the Bayou state. Forecaster with the National Weather Service in New Orleans, Phil Grigsby, says the current record was set back in 1917 at 83 degrees. He says temperatures could surpass that today…

Cut 6 (10) “of year”

Grigsby credits the warm temperatures throughout the carnival season to the lack of cold fronts in Louisiana so far this winter.

CUT 7 (08)  “below normal”

Grigsby says the coldest Mardi Gras on record was set at 30 degrees back in 1899. He says today’s weather is perfect for parade watching…

Cut 8 (08) “of this guy”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana came in dead last on Us News & World Report’s new best states ranking. Analyst Lindsey Cook says Louisiana ranks near or at the bottom for the economy, government, crime, and opportunity. She says healthcare was one of their biggest weighted categories, and in that Louisiana did poorly across the board.

Cut 9 (10)  “32”

Cook says even with the recently expanded Medicaid program, health rankings like obesity won’t improve overnight. She says Louisiana ranks 39^th for infrastructure and 42^nd for transportation. She says education was also a big category, and the Bayou State came in at number 46.

Cut 10 (09) “ranks 44”

Cook says Louisiana was knocked down on the list for its high incarceration and crime rates, as it came in last for corrections. But she says Louisiana did fare well in some areas.

cut 11 (11) “wellness visits”

_________________________________________________________

A picture has surfaced of Robbie Gatti, who is a white Republican running for a seat in the state legislature, wearing black face paint as part of a Tiger Woods costume. Gatti says this photo was taken 15 years ago during a church function when the golfing star was at the height of his career. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the photo will certainly not help Gatti’s campaign…

cut 12 (11) “judgement”

Gatti claims the church held a fall festival and he was told to dress up as a famous person. Stockley says Gatti probably didn’t know what his political future would hold 15 years ago. But he says the Bossier City politician should’ve know better…

Cut 13 (10) “address that” 

Gatti is one of four candidates running for the district 8 seat vacated by Mike Johnson. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffery Sadow says 15 years ago, Gatti likely didn’t expect social media to blow up as it has today.

cut 14 (10) “these days”

________________________________________________________

The accused drunk driver in the Endymion parade crash is facing more and more charges and the victim count rises. Neilson Rizzuto has been charged with an additional 22 counts of negligent vehicular injury. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says that number could still go up because the victim count is up to 32.

Cut 15 (11) “his life”

The 25-year-old was originally booked on four charges, including two counts of negligent vehicular injury, hit and run causing serious injury, and careless operation. Ciolino expects Rizzuto to be sentenced to at least 10 years behind bars.

Cut 16  (07)  “is significant”

Ciolino says we can also expect a host of civil suits against Rizzuto to be filed by the victims.

________________________________________________________

A local businessman stepped up to ensure the annual Opelousas Mardi Gras parade will roll on. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

It looks like there’s no shortage of crawfish for today’s Mardi Gras celebrations and the upcoming Lenten season.  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

For most people Mardi Gras means a big party, but for the city of New Orleans, it also means big bucks. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It is Fat Tuesday a day filled with Mardi Gras parades and celebrations that are centuries old. New Roads native Brian Cosetllo recently wrote a new book called “Carnival in Louisiana: Celebrating Mardi Gras from the French Quarter to the Red River.” He says everyone is familiar with the large Krewe parades in cities like Lafayette and New Orleans, but small towns also get in on the fun.

Cut 4  (11) “community participation”

Costello says one of the more unique traditions that’s rooted in ancient Catholic tradition continues today in coastal Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “their prayers”

Costello says several Cajun communities will not have any parades or floats today, instead they’ll continue the tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras, which goes back to the 18^th Century.

Cut 6 (07) “day’s end”

______________________________________

The Opelousas Mardi Gras parade will go on as planned today, even after a risk of cancellation, all thanks to businessman Bob Giles. The parade was in jeopardy as the police department faced extreme cuts, making it impossible for them to provide the security detail for the Krewe of Frank Parade. Giles, of Giles Automotive, stepped up to support the community…

Cut 7 (11)  “take place”

The parade will roll at 11:00 a.m. today. Giles says about 20 police officers are needed for three hours to mediate traffic before and after the parade. He says Mardi Gras is a huge part of Louisiana culture and he didn’t want the parade to be canceled due to a lack of funding.

Cut 8 (10) “do so”

Giles previously donated 55 bulletproof vests to the Opelousas Police Department. Giles says the feeling he gets for helping the community can’t be beat…

Cut 9 (09)  “do something”

_________________________________________________________

Although the crawfish season got off to a relatively slow start, there is no shortage of mudbugs for the Mardi Gras holiday. That’s according to Dr. Greg Lutz with the LSU Ag Center who says the mild winter Louisiana has helped crawfishermen catch up. But he says because supplies are up, everybody wants to get their hands on a sack.

Cut 10 (09) “as well”

Lutz says when the weather starts to warm up, people start to have crawfish boils plus the Lenten season is set to start…

Cut 11 (10) “the market”

Lutz says the further we get into the season, the more helpful rain becomes to freshen up the ponds but currently the weather is doing just fine for the harvest. He says the prices per pound for mudbugs all depend on supply and demand.

Cut 12 (09) “two days”

_________________________________________________________

It’s Fat Tuesday, and a report by WalletHub finds more and more people are letting the good times roll in the Bayou State. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says Mardi Gras has an economic impact of $465 million for New Orleans alone. She adds that it’s growing every year as more and more people save up to visit the Big Easy for the Carnival season.

Cut 13 (10) “higher numbers”

Everyone knows the crowds in the French Quarter are hard to navigate during Mardi Gras. Gonzales says that’s because there’s a huge influx of visitors in the Crescent City.

Cut 14 (10) “city’s population”

Gonzales says float riders spend about $500 on beads and throws, and a ticket to a Krewe ball averages $150. She adds the average Mardi Gras mask is about $6, and King Cakes usually run $35. She says the festivities can get expensive.

Cut 15 (07) “to add up”

______________________________________________________

The NFL Scouting Combine gets underway today in Indianapolis and 10 former LSU Tigers will participate. It’s an opportunity for running back Leonard Fournette to show NFL teams he’s over an ankle injury that limited him to seven games last season. Draft Analyst Mike Detillier says teams near the top of the first round will also be interested in talking with Fournette

Cut 16 (20) “on the track”

Detillier says wide receiver Malachi Dupre has the most the gain out of the former LSU Tigers, because the former John Curtis star had trouble catching passes early in 2016

Cut 17 (19)  “quarterback play”

Detillier says outside linebacker Duke Riley is moving up the draft boards the fastest out of the former Tigers. He says the Buras native was an unknown player before the start of the 2016 season, now he has a chance to be a second-third round pick if he runs well in the 40-yard dash

Cut 18 (17) “at LSU”

A legal analyst says the man accused of injuring more than two dozen Endymion parade goers in New Orleans may only face 5 years in jail. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Sneezing more than normal? Itchy/watery eyes? Experts say allergy season is hitting Louisiana with a bang this year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Volunteers from around the country are coming together to help Louisiana flood victims get back into their homes. Louisiana Launch volunteer Shanna Forrestall says a lot of families either aren’t getting what they need from insurance or there’s delays on getting help from FEMA. She says Let’s Rock is collecting donations to help cover the cost of the sheetrock needed to make their homes livable.

Cut 3 (10) “their houses”

Forrestall credits the hard work of Melissa Armand and Janet Rhodus for getting the campaign moving, and giving her a way to get involved, as the Gonzales native now lives in Los Angeles. She says through the donations, flood victims are given a gift certificate to cover the cost of their drywall, and 100-percent of the donations go directly to flood victims.

cut 4  (10) “those walls up”

Forrestall says the donations are going to families who need it the most, those with elderly, disabled and special needs members. She says donations can be made at LaunchLouisiana.com and encourages everyone to share the link on social media to raise awareness for the cause.

Cut 5  (10)  “that are hurting”

_________________________________________________________

The man accused of drunkenly plowing into parade goers at Endymion in New Orleans may not face much jail time. That’s according to legal analyst Tim Meche, who says 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto is only charged with negligent vehicular injury, a hit and run with serious injury, and reckless operation after police say he crashed his truck into a crowd and sent 21 people to area hospitals.

Cut 6 (10) “five year sentence”

New Orleans police say Rizzuto’s blood alcohol content was .232, nearly three times the legal limit. A judge reportedly says if the suspect can make his $125-thousand bond, he’ll be put on house arrest and not allowed to drive. Meche says Rizzuto’s circumstances aren’t really that bad.

CUT 7 (11)  “jail time”

Despite at least 28 reported injuries, Rizzuto only faces two counts of negligent injuring for two serious injuries named in the police report. But Meche says more charges could be added as the investigation unfolds. He says Rizzuto’s public defenders will likely try to play the sympathy card in court.

Cut 8 (11) “of this guy”

_________________________________________________________

Allergy season is in full swing a little early this year, and experts say because Louisiana had such a mild winter, there never really was a low pollen period. Dr. Kenneth Paris, head of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at LSU Health New Orleans, says warm winters typically mean pollen season will peak earlier, and last longer…:

Cut 9 (09)  “when we don’t have rain”

Paris says people who have seasonal allergies are typically bothered by itchy, drippy and sneezy symptoms. But he says the pollen season really impacts kids and adults with asthma a great deal…:

Cut 10 (10) “respiratory symptoms”

Paris says there are plenty of effective medications on the market to help people keep their allergy symptoms under control. He recommends oral antihistamines that are non-sedating, and a now-available over the counter intranasal steroid sprays…:

cut 11 (10) “the burden of illness”

_________________________________________________________

A Mansfield man has been arrested for fatally shooting a man who was allegedly vandalizing his car on Sunday night. Mansfield Police Chief Gary Hobbs says 34-year-old Cody Parker saw 50-year-old James Hewitt near his car and came outside with a firearm and shot Hewitt multiple times as he was fleeing the scene….

cut 12 (11) “pronounced dead”

Hobbs says Parker is charged with second-degree murder. He says based on the evidence, Hewitt was doing nothing other than committing the crime of property damage before he was shot.

Cut 13 (09) “deadly force“

Hobbs says detectives are working to determine if Parker and Hewitt had a previous connection. He says recently, Parker has had other issues with vandalism, as he filed multiple reports with the police department about someone vandalizing his vehicle.

cut 14 (11) “of it”

________________________________________________________

It’s been a warm February for the Bayou State and it could turn out to be the warmest on record since 1932. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana’s 3^rd Congressional District has been appointed to a task force to stop terrorists from entering the country. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

US Senator John Kennedy believes its time for the Commander of the State Police to go. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A new study out of London finds stress may be linked to obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-AH-no) with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says chronic stress can promote fat accumulation on the body. She says while it could be a physiological reason, it might also be because people change their behaviors when they’re stressed.

Cut 4  (07) “obesity”

Staiano says the 4 year study linked obesity to a stress hormone called cortisol. She says people who were obese through the entire study showed higher levels of stress hormones. She says while some stress is out of our control, there are ways people can try to reduce their stress levels.

Cut 5  (09)  “long term health”

Staiano says over two-thirds of Louisiana adults and half of the children in our state are overweight or obese, so this is an important study for the Bayou State. She hopes to see more research in this area.

Cut 6 (09) “citizens healthier”

______________________________________

This February could go down as the warmest on record since 1932 for the Bayou State. That’s according to State Climatologist Barry Keim who says the average temperature in Louisiana this month is floating right around 61 degrees and the current record is 61.2 degrees.…

Cut 7 (10)  “1895″

Keim says so far for February, we’re averaging eight degrees above normal and he attributes this to a lot of warm air moving in from the coast.

Cut 8 (06) “and humid”

Keim says although Louisiana has seen a few cold fronts the last few weeks, not much Canadian air moved down south this winter…

Cut 9 (06)  “February”

_________________________________________________________

US Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana’s 3^rd Congressional District has been appointed to the Homeland Security Task Force, which seeks to close gaps in terrorist screenings and vetting procedures. Higgins says their most valuable resource is the human resource, and they want to hear what the people have to say about securing our borders.

Cut 10 (12) “to stop it”

Higgins says he wants to get a boots-on-the-ground perspective from the people directly involved in vetting the people who enter our country. He says it’s far past time for us to control our southern border. He says they’re going to explore every possible option to make our country safe.

Cut 11 (08) “for it to stop”

Higgins says the task force will search for solutions to eliminate terrorist entry into the country. But he says immigrants and visitors who come into the US legally have nothing to worry about. He says they want to take a balanced approach to ensure that those who do not mean us harm are still welcomed.

Cut 12 (08) “put in place”

The panel will begin working in March and hopes to provide their final report later this year.

_________________________________________________________

Colonel Mike Edmonson has no plans to resign even though U-S Senator John Kennedy is calling on the head of the L-S-P to step down as result of four troopers charging the state overtime and hotel expenses while taking a side trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.  Edmonson says Kennedy doesn’t have the facts

Cut 13 (08) “those changes”

Kennedy says enough facts have already come out and he’s disgusted as a Louisiana taxpayer over what happened….

Cut 14 (11) “get an award”

The controversial trip to the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in San Diego occurred last October. The governor has auditors within the Division of Administration looking into the incident and Edmonson says State Police is conducting its own probe…

Cut 15 (05) “change those”

But Kennedy says if Governor Edwards wants to restore taxpayer confidence he’ll call in the legislative auditor to perform an independent investigation

Cut 16 (10) “not right”

Kennedy is disappointed the legislative auditor is not being used for this investigation….

Cut 17 (06)  “find the truth”

______________________________________________________

LSU rallied back from an early 3-0 deficit to beat Maryland 9-5 on Sunday afternoon to complete a three-game sweep of the Terrapins. Right-handed sophomore Caleb Gilbert earned the win as he struck out all six hitters he faced in relief and LSU took control of the game with five runs in the 3rd inning. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 18 (18) “mistaken”

LSU’s pitchers struck out 15 in the game, but also walked seven. Reliever Doug Norman left the game after throwing a pitch and Mainieri says that was tough to see…

Cut 19 (15)   “on it yet”

LSU is now 7-1 on the season. One of the big surprises so far has been freshman Rankin Woley from Atlanta. He’s 5-for-11 at the plate and Mainieri says Woley is making the case for more playing time…

Cut 20 (19)   “about that”

Today the Board of Regents will look at proposed changes to TOPS, as the scholarship program is only funded at 70-percent under the governor’s spending plan for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The big Mardi Gras weekend is here and celebrations are in full swing in every corner of the state. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Grambling State University officials are working to have the undergraduate nursing program reinstated by 2018. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

TOPS is not fully funded under the governor’s spending plan for next fiscal year. Officials say it will take more than 80 million additional dollars to pay for the scholarship program. Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo has concerns about how students will react to TOPS once again being funded at only 70-percent.

Cut 4  (10) “differently”

The Board of Regents meets today to discuss possible changes to TOPS. Under the newest proposal, those recommended changes do not include making the award amount tiered for freshmen, sophomores, and upperclassmen. Rallo says a flat grant amount is one option on the table.

Cut 5  (08)  “their tuition”

The recommendations will go into a bill by Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Hewitt that will be taken up in the regular session. Rallo says a proposal to require TOPS students to complete 30 credit hours a semester, rather than 24, is also up for consideration. He says this could ensure that students complete their degrees in four years.

Cut 6 (10) “degree program”

If approved, the changes to the program would impact the incoming class of 2018.

______________________________________

The big Mardi Gras weekend has arrived as cities and towns will be celebrating the carnival season with parades and traditional Mardi Gras festivities Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras is not just popular in New Orleans and Lafayette, central and north Louisiana are getting into the act. He says he was recently the Grand Marshall of the first parade ever in Ball.

Cut 7 (10)  “celebrations”

Nungesser will also serve as the Grand Marshall of the Lions Club parade in Covington starting at 10 a.m. on Fat Tuesday. The Lt. Governor says the celebrations across Louisiana have really grown over the last few years.

Cut 8 (11) “Louisiana”

Thousands of tourists will be in New Orleans for the biggest celebration of them all. The big parades of Endymion and Bacchus will roll down St. Charles Ave on Saturday and Sunday night. And Nungesser says the party doesn’t stop until Fat Tuesday…

Cut 9 (09)  “Mardi Gras”

_________________________________________________________

Grambling State University is one step closer to reinstating their undergraduate nursing program. The undergraduate program was closed in December of 2015, and officials have been working to get a new program instated. University President Rick Gallot says they have the support of the University of Louisiana System Board, but he says their work is far from over.

Cut 10 (11) “Board of Nursing”

Gallot says they are confident the program will be accepted by both the Board of Regents and the Board of Nursing. He says once they are approved, they can then hire a program director and move forward on reinstating the undergraduate degree program.

Cut 11 (11) “fall of 2018″

Gallot says a requirement to have a nursing program is a passing rate above 80-percent. He says after the program fell into a period of decline, passage rates fell to around 70-percent, and the program was closed. But he says they’re doing everything they can to ensure that doesn’t happen when the program is reinstated.

Cut 12 (10) “junior year”

_________________________________________________________

While many Louisianans will be celebrating Mardi Gras this weekend, Governor John Bel Edwards is heading to Washington to discuss more federal assistance for flood recovery and the recent tornadoes in south Louisiana. The governor’s Communications Director Richard Carbo says Edwards will meet with the acting FEMA Administrator today to discuss recovery for tornado victims.

Cut 13 (09) “last month”

Carbo says on Monday Edwards and other governors from around the country will meet with President Donald Trump. He says this meeting will give the governor a chance to discuss his request for an additional $2 billion in federal flood recovery aid.

Cut 14 (07) “on Monday”

Governor Edwards has said another $2 billion is needed for Louisiana to have a full and robust recovery from the Great Flood of 2016. Carbo says that’s why Edwards will also meet with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and the new director of the Office of Management and Budget to discuss the state’s unmet needs.

Cut 15 (10) “on their feet”

_______________________________________________

The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against Maryland, who is a favorite to win the Big 10. The Terrapins are off to 1-2 start as they lost two games to Ball State. But Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says don’t be fooled by Maryland’s slow start….

Cut 16 (20) “Cape Cod”

Maryland has recently appeared in the Super Regionals in both 2014 and 2015. LSU is 3-1 on the season and Mainieri says the Tigers are still a work in progress…

Cut 17 (13)  “at bats “

Mainieri says his starting line-up is not set in stone. He says he’s waiting for someone to step up in left field between Beau Jordan and Brennan Breaux

Cut 18 (10) “my liking”

Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy faced a slew of protesters in a town hall meeting yesterday. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The governor’s spending plan for the next fiscal year has been presented to lawmakers, as they’re gearing up for the regular session in April. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall meeting in Metairie yesterda6y as many upset residents screamed at him about healthcare, the travel ban, and public education. This is a trend around the country at town hall meetings with Republican lawmakers. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says in the past, these types of protests have proven effective.

Cut 3 (07) “diminished”

Cassidy is scheduled to host another town hall meeting tonight in Assumption Parish. Cross says people expressed their concerns to Cassidy about the Affordable Care Act. He says Republicans likely won’t make the changes the protesters want, but it could happen with enough uprising.

cut 4  (09) “to this”

Cross says this popular uprising can make a difference as the Tea Party effectively used this tactic in 2009. He expects this type of activism to be part of a new pattern over the next few years…

Cut 5  (11)  “to continue”

_________________________________________________________

The Edwards administration unveiled a spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1, and TOPS is not fully funded under their proposal. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it will take an additional $81 million to fully fund the scholarship program.

Cut 6 (12) “is recognized”

Dardenne says state employees have not had performance pay adjustments for a number of years. He says another priority will be providing cost of living or performance pay increases for state employees if more money is found.

CUT 7 (08)  “of the budget”

The proposed budget does not call for any additional dollars for public schools, maintenance for buildings on college campuses, or additional dollars to hire the needed 187 case workers for the Department of Children and Family Services.  He says the Department of Transportation is also facing a reduction in funding, which adds to state’s inability to repair roads.

Cut 8 (10) “bridge needs”

The governor’s proposed budget will be discussed over the next several months, and lawmakers will make changes to it. Any taxes or fee increases approved in the regular session could lead to increased funding for TOPS and roads.

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards expressed a serious tone when asked about the travel scandal involving four members of the State Police who took side trips to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while attending a law enforcement conference in San Diego. Edwards, who has already ordered a full investigation, says this incident shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Cut 9 (09)  “things going on”

State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson issued a statement saying he’s instructed all administrative personnel at LSP to cooperate with the investigation. Edwards says he won’t speculate on what the findings might be until the investigation is over.

Cut 10 (12) “unbiased report”

Edmonson’s statement goes on to say they have already made internal changes to prevent any recurrence of an incident like this.

_________________________________________________________

LSU Health Shreveport will launch a Pediatric Chronic Ventilator Clinic in April to allow care for children who require mechanical ventilation. Director of the Pediatric Ventilator Unit Dr. Keith Scott says currently, families are required to travel 300 miles for a one-hour visit or their child will not get the proper care. He says the new clinic will be more convenient for patients.

cut 11 (10) “healthcare needs”

Scott says there are no other facilities in the northern Louisiana area like this clinic. He hopes this will be able to bring holistic care and improve longevity in patients who use a ventilator by providing quality care.

cut 12 (10) “appropriate”

Scott says the main goal is to ultimately get the kids off the ventilator. He says with the clinic, patients that need the service will be able to stay in their hometown and have the same doctor throughout the process.

Cut 13 (10) “to travel“

________________________________________________________