Today the governor is expected to announce his tax reform proposals that legislators will consider during the regular session in April. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tuesday’s tornado that struck New Orleans east was unfortunately one for the record books. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A state judge in Baton Rouge has been banned from a popular local restaurant chain after he allegedly used racial slurs towards a black woman. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent Tyler Wheeler, who was shot five times during a traffic stop last month, will return home to Monroe this weekend. Wheeler has been in rehab in Mississippi where he is now walking half a mile each day on a treadmill. LDWF Col. Joey Broussard says it’s a miracle Wheeler is doing so well.

Cut 4  (08) “thankful of”

Amethyst Baird and Jeremy Gullette have both been arrested in connection to Wheeler’s shooting. Broussard says Wheeler is already able to walk up a short flight of steps.

Cut 5  (09)  “to us”

Broussard says upon his return, Wheeler will continue outpatient rehab at Shreveport’s University Health Center. He says there has been an outpouring of support from all across the country.

Cut 6 (09) “help out”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to unveil his tax reform plan today when he meets with the Committee of 100 in Washington, D.C. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin, says comprehensive tax reform is needed because many of the taxes raised in la year’s special sessions will expire next year.

Cut 7 (07)  “a decade now”‘

Erwin says currently the state relies too heavily on the sales tax to bring in revenue, which has caused sales tax rates to climb over the years. He says Louisiana has the highest combined state and local sales tax in the country. But sales tax revenues fluctuate with the economy.

Cut 8 (08) “does not work”

While taxes cannot be raised in the special session that begins next week, tax changes could be made during the regular session, which is set to begin in April. Erwin expects the governor will propose lowering the sales tax and raising the income tax, which would provide a more consistent flow of tax revenue.

Cut 9 (10)  “income tax side”

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Mardi Gras season is kicking off in Washington D.C. The Mystick Krewe of Louisiana celebrates the carnival season today through Saturday in the nation’s capital. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Saturday’s ball is considered the hottest ticket in town.

Cut 10 (10) “quite unique”

The festivities take place at the Washington Hilton. Pinsonat says while the celebrations are a lot of fun, a lot of meetings take place during the day. He says corporate leaders from around the country are invited to attend economic development functions selling Louisiana.

Cut 11 (08) “DC”

Pinsonat says this is a great time for Louisiana lawmakers to have fun, because when they get back to the Bayou State, they head straight into a special legislative session on Monday with a hangover.

Cut 12 (10) “deficit”

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A Baton Rouge judge has been banned from a local restaurant after he allegedly used racial slurs against an African American woman. Kaneitra Johnson posted on Facebook about the incident, saying Judge Mike Erwin called her the n-word while arguing over a bar seat at Sammy’s on Highland Road. Louisiana NAACP President Ernest Johnson says we should expect more from our leaders, and words do matter.

Cut 13 (08) “or white”

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the Louisiana Judiciary Commission will investigate the incident, and if the allegations are proved true, Erwin will be disciplined. Meche says a similar instance occurred when a Houma judge went to a Halloween party in a blackface costume in 2004. He says that judge was suspended for a year.

Cut 14 (12) “being suspended”

Meche says this incident just propels that stereotype that old, white southern judges have racial biases. He says with these allegations brought to light, it is possible future defendants will file motions to have Judge Erwin recused.

Cut 15 (12) “other judges”

Meche says he has never known Erwin to be racist in the courtroom or in the way he spoke to defendants. He says it will take an investigation by the Judiciary Committee to get to the bottom of what happened.

Cut 16 (11) “look at”

No charges have been filed against Erwin, but the owners of Sammy’s say he is no longer welcome in any of their restaurants. Erwin has not issued a response to the incident.

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LSU’s All-SEC designated hitter Bryce Jordan will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. Coach Paul Mainieri says the injury occurred at practice as Jordan was chasing a foul ball down the left field line and felt his knee buckle. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the injury is a blow to the Tigers

Cut 17 (11)   “line-up”

The former Barbe standout was expected to bat clean-up after hitting .293 last season. Moran says Bryce Jordan would have been the perfect hitter behind LSU’s best power hitter Greg Deichman, who is slated to bat third…

Cut 18 (18) “of stuff”

Mainieri has also announced that junior right-hander Alex Lange will start on opening night against Air Force on February 17th. Moran says it’s not a big surprise, since he’s the ace of the staff…

Cut 19 (10)   “arm strength”

State and local officials attempt to get an estimate on how much damage was created by a series of tornadoes on Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has more…

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man who was jailed on a probation violation was beaten to death by at least a dozen inmates. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The cleanup continues today after the Governor’s Office estimates at least 7 tornadoes touched down in southeast Louisiana on Tuesday. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says the state is very lucky that no one was killed.

Cut 3 (08) “were hit”

A total of 39 injuries were reported. Steele says damage assessment is underway in the impacted areas. He says teams are gathering data, so Louisiana can make a case for federal assistance to help those that lost everything and rebuild public infrastructure.

cut 4  (09) “those teams”

New Orleans East was the hardest hit area, but twisters also touched down in Jefferson, Livingston, Ascension, St. James, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany Parishes. Steele says shelters have been set up in New Orleans and Donaldsonville for those whose homes were destroyed.

Cut 5  (12)  “down there”

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Just one day after a tornado ravaged the town of Donaldsonville, Mayor Leroy Sullivan says residents have a lot to be thankful for. He says 15 to 20 homes inside the city limits sustained at least moderate damage, while several more were impacted outside the city, but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

Cut 6 (09) “to me”

Sullivan says cleanup and damage assessment is underway throughout the city. He says they’re hopeful the feds will be able to provide some assistance for those who lost their homes. He says many are still without power as they pick up the pieces. Entergy reports more than 18-hundred Donaldsonville residents do not have electricity yet. Sullivan asks that people stay clear of the area, as crews are working to clear debris out of the roadways.

CUT 7 (11)  “some normalcy”

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East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore addressed the thought on many people’s mind: when will the results of the federal investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling be made public? Moore says since his office recused itself early on in the case, he can’t be exactly sure but…

Cut 8 (10) “have taken”

Moore says Baton Rouge has proved itself to be a city of non-violent protests and encourages everyone, regardless of the ruling in the case, to protest peacefully when the U.S. Department of Justice announces the results its probe.

Cut 9 (11)  “that purpose”

Moore says protests are also allowed on sidewalks as long as it does not obstruct other pedestrians. He also encourages everyone to work with city officials and law enforcement to ensure all protests in the future are done peacefully and factually.

Cut 10 (10) “for months”

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An explosion near DeRidder has killed at least three and injured several others, according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Joe Toler says authorities received a call just after 11 a.m. of an explosion at Packaging Corporation of America on U.S. 190. He says the scene has been contained and the fire is out.

cut 11 (10) “they do”

Toler says the facility was previously the Boise paper mill and PCA took over the operations in 2013. He says he is not sure the exact number of people injured in the explosion…

cut 12 (05) “air med”

Toler says authorities are working to determine what caused the explosion. He says this is an all hands on deck situation.

Cut 13 (10) “out there“

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State Police are seeking a father and son from Thibodaux in connection with a kidnapping of a Lafayette man. Trooper Jesse Lagrange says four men have already been arrested.

cut 14 (11) “the night”

Lagrange says the four men arrested range in ages 19 to 32 years old and they’ve been charged with aggravated kidnapping. The 19-year-old is from Monroe and the others are from south Louisiana. He says police are still actively seeking 45-year-old Jeffery Slack Sr. and 20-year-old Jeffery Slack Jr.

Cut 15 (08) “these subjects”

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A meeting to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline will be held tonight in Assumption Parish. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards heads to Washington D.C. again today to push for more federal flood aid. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Bayou State has once again been declared a state of emergency after tornadoes ripped through southeast Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A public meeting will be held tonight in Assumption Parish on the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which will need a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. The 163-mile oil pipeline would run from Lake Charles through the Atchafalaya Basin to St. James Parish. Anne Rolfes with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade says the Atchafalaya Basin is already suffering from too many pipelines.

cut 4  (08) “of mess”‘

Energy Transfer Partners is one of the companies involved in the pipeline. Rolfes says they’ve had 35 pipeline accidents in two years, and there’s nothing safe about that.

Cut 5  (09)  “east coast”

Supporters of the project say it will create jobs and that moving oil through a pipeline is safer than other transportation means like trains and trucks. Energy Transfer Partners Executive Vice President Joey Mahmoud says if there’s ever been a project that is by Louisiana and for Louisiana, it’s this pipeline.

Cut 6 (13) “be from Louisiana”

Mahmoud adds that pipeline construction is much more environmentally conscious than in previous years, as they take steps to ensure water flow is not interrupted by the pipe. He says Energy Transfer Partners is not as accident prone as the Bucket Brigade makes it seem because the environmental group is mischaracterizing the data.

CUT 7 (11)  “really represents”‘

The meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the Assumption Parish Public Library in Napoleonville.

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Governor John Bel Edwards travels to Washington D.C. today to push Congress for more federal flood aid. This is the governor’s 6^th trip to the nation’s capital since the August flood. Edwards says we’ve received 1.6 billion dollars in grant money so far but another two billion is necessary to get victims back in their homes..

Cut 8 (10) “Louisianans”

Edwards says as part of the two billion dollars, he’s looking to receive federal assistance to construct flood mitigation infrastructure so homes in flood zones are not forced to elevate.

Cut 9 (05)  “make sense”

Edwards says he will meet with all members of the Louisiana Congressional delegation today to discuss his ideas. He says one of his proposals is to allow flood victims to use grant money to pay off Small Business Administration loans.

Cut 10 (11) “allow it”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared yet another state of emergency in the Bayou State, as his office says at least 7 tornadoes touched down in 6 parishes on Tuesday. New Orleans East sustained the most damage, after a massive twister moved through the Crescent City around 11 a.m.  New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they were extremely lucky there was no loss of life.

cut 11 (09) “serious injuries”

The Governor’s Office estimates at least 20 people in southeast Louisiana sustained injuries, but no deaths were reported as a result of the twisters. Landrieu says shelters are available for people who lost everything, and they are still assessing how many homes and businesses were damaged.

cut 12 (09) “really devastating”

Landrieu says NOPD, along with the Louisiana National Guard, will patrol the area to prevent looting and conduct search and rescue operations. He asks that people not from the area stay away because this is not the time to sight see. He says cleanup is underway so that people can transition into recovery as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (09) “each other up”

Entergy says customers could be without power for two to three days.

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The National Weather Service is working to confirm exactly how many tornadoes touched down in Louisiana and how much damage they caused. Slidell forecaster Mike Efferson says their preliminary estimates are that 60 homes were damaged by a twister in New Orleans. He says they believe it was at least an EF2.

cut 14 (07) “New Orleans”

But he says that estimate could be upgraded as the numbers come in today. Efferson says other twisters touched down in Ascension and St. James parishes, as well as two tornadoes in Livingston Parish. He says one of the twisters went from Killian in Livingston Parish to Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish.

Cut 15 (09) “down there”

Efferson says in the days leading up to yesterday’s tornado outbreak, it didn’t even look like south Louisiana would get much rain, much less severe weather. He says they had to issue as many warnings as possible at the last minute as the severe weather threat increased.

Cut 16 (08) “hear one”

Lawmakers are looking at proposed budget cuts ahead of next week’s deficit eliminating special session. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Southeast Louisiana dealt with several tornado touchdowns today as a storm system ripped through the Deep South. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Lawmakers are looking over the Governor’s proposal to eliminate a $304 million midyear deficit, ahead of next week’s special session to debate the plan. Statewide elected officials would see budget reductions, but higher education would be spared. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s important no stone is left unturned when it comes to spending reductions, but he doesn’t want students to be impacted again.

Cut 3 (09) “looking at”

The governor’s plan also includes using $119 million in the rainy day fund to minimize cuts to state agencies. But Harris says we need to look at what the state is spending annually and address the real problem.

cut 4  (08) “and year out”

Once the special session begins on Monday, the House will begin discussions on what cuts will be made and they’ll send their plan to the Senate. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he’s not opposed to using rainy day dollars to prevent cuts that will really hit home with residents.

Cut 5  (08)  “can do that”

Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he’s glad the governor spread the cuts around in his plan, and that he did not seek any additional revenue. But he says he is concerned that Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office would take a combined almost $6 million hit.

Cut 6 (10) “his job”

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Officials in Livingston Parish say at least two tornadoes touched down in Killian today, damaging homes and injuring two people. Mark Harrell, director of the Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they know of several residences impacted:

CUT 7 (07)  “and moved”

Harrell says two people that were inside their home when the twister hit were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. He says the police chief in Killian witnessed the tornadoes with his own eyes…:

Cut 8 (09) “he watched them”

Another twister was reported in the Ascension Parish town of Donaldsonville where officials say some damage was sustained and debris widespread.
The path of damage and destruction also went through parts of New Orleans East, causing damage to homes and businesses, overturned vehicles and downed power lines and trees. This man describes what he witnessed of the tornado touchdown in New Orleans East..:

Cut 9 (07)  “freight train”

There was also damage reported at the NASA facility in the Michoud area of New Orleans. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they are dealing with a substantial situation…:

Cut 10 (10) “yet”

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Louisiana U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy were among the 51 who voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education today. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplessis, says as a proponent of school choice and vouchers for low-income students DeVos will bring a welcomed change to the education system.

cut 11 (11) “on education”

The voucher program uses taxpayer dollars so students zoned for poorly performing schools can attend charter or private schools at cost. Duplessis says DeVos wants to provide the right opportunities for our children. She says the people who are against the appointment are entrenched in special interests.

cut 12 (12) “special interests”

One of the state’s largest teacher unions has been an opponent of school vouchers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says DeVos’ longtime support of vouchers is a concern to them.

Cut 13 (11) “public schools“

LFT President Larry Carter says DeVos lacks experience as an educator. Landon says they would prefer an Education Secretary who was a strong supporter of public schools.

cut 14 (11) “religious schools”

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There’s extensive tornado damage in New Orleans east after a large twister ripped through the area around 11 o’ clock this morning. Craig Smith was working at New Orleans East Hospital when he saw the menacing tornado…

Cut 15 (11) “down in”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has told the public not to come to New Orleans east as it’s totally shut down because of gas leaks and the large number of first responders. Smith says it’s bit of a chaotic scene…

Cut 16  (10)  “non stop”

State Senator JP Morrell is again bringing equal pay legislation before lawmakers for the upcoming session. Jeff Palermo reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU Student Government believes the Board of Regents’ proposed changes to the TOPS program will force students out of the state for college. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The governor has released his plan to close the state’s $304-million deficit for this fiscal year. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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State Senator JP Morrell is again bringing equal pay legislation before lawmakers for the upcoming session. The Democrat from New Orleans authored a similar bill last year that failed to make it out of a House committee. Morrell says one of the changes to this measure is that employers would be given a chance to correct a pay inequality…:

cut 4  (10) “remediate the pay”

Morrell says business groups asked him to give companies the benefit of the doubt that if they didn’t know about a pay inequality, they should change it themselves before litigation would be on the table. He says this bill also includes language that says equal pay laws should cover both women and men…:

Cut 5  (10)  “everyone should be paid equally”

Morrell says groups who support pay secrecy and don’t want transparency will oppose this bill in any posture. But he says Louisiana women make less than 70 cents per dollar that a man does, and this measure is simply about getting people paid what they are owed…:

Cut 6 (10) “those children”

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LSU Student Government believes proposed changes to the TOPS scholarship program made by the Board of Regents will have detrimental effects on students and might force some to attend schools in other states. President Zack Faircloth says one proposed change by the board is to require students to take 30 credit hours a year in order to keep the scholarship.

CUT 7 (06)  “about it”‘

Faircloth says they’ve written a two-page letter with their concerns to the board that oversees public colleges. The Board of Regents also proposed that freshman on TOPS should only have 80-percent of their tuition paid for by the state, while sophomores receive 90-percent, and juniors and seniors receive 100-percent. Faircloth says these are regressive ideas.

Cut 8 (10) “any sense”

The Board of Regents have asked for public input on their plan addressing TOPS spending and they’ll make a final recommendation later this month. Faircloth says Louisiana should be doing all it can to make sure our best students stay in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (10)  “first step”

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State Superintendent of Education John White travels to Caddo Parish to host a public meeting tonight to discuss recommendations on improving struggling schools in Shreveport. White says 15 out of 66 schools in the parish have “F” letter grades and 22 have “D” letter grades.

Cut 10 (09) “about this”

White says there are several schools under the governance of the local school board plus a charter school, Linwood Public Charter that have persistently struggled. He says a plan dealing with the future of these schools will be presented to BESE next month, so White says they want to get the public’s input on how to improve them…

cut 11 (07) “his vision”

White says this is a critical issues, because only two percent of students in Caddo Parish’s “D” and “F” rated schools receive an ACT score to be eligible for TOPS. The meeting takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport. White encourages the public to attend.

cut 12 (09) “communities first”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has unveiled his plan for resolving a $304-million midyear budget deficit. The governor’s Communications Director Richard Carbo says the proposal calls for using money from the rainy day fund, a large cut to the Department of Health’s budget, and state elected officials would also make cuts to their budgets, but…

Cut 13 (08) “and family services”

Carbo says the plan would impose the biggest cut on the Louisiana Department of Health at a $128 million budget reduction. But he says vital services for patients and hospitals that provide care for the poor would not be impacted.

cut 14 (10) “by the governor”

The governor’s deficit elimination plan will be debated in a special session that begins next week. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to using $119 million from the rainy day fund to minimize the cuts to state services. But Carbo says using the rainy day fund is a wise fiscal decision.

Cut 15 (10) “the budget”

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against the governor for not providing enough funding for Louisiana’s public defender system. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Brittney Spears’ niece is reportedly in stable but critical condition after ATV accident in Tangipahoa Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two men from Cameron Parish must pay hundreds of dollars in fines for stealing over 500 alligator eggs. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 48-year-old Paul Canik and 25-year-old Christopher Trahan, both of Grand Chenier,  have been sentenced by a state judge for what they did in July of 2015.

Cut 3 (07) “that property”

Canik pled no contest to illegal possession of alligator eggs and criminal trespass, while Trahan pled no contest to not abiding by rules and regulations. Einck says Canik took the eggs illegally and Trahan helped transport them.

cut 4  (08) “from then”

Einck says Trahan was ordered to pay a $293 fine. He says Canik’s egg collection privileges have been suspended for 18 months, and he was issued a $593 fine.

Cut 5  (10)  “trailer as well”

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State Education Superintendent John White releases revised plans designed to improve public schools to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. White says one way to raise expectations is to increase the benchmarks for a school to achieve an A grade in the state’s rating system. He says right now students only have to earn “basic” scores on math and literacy tests for the school to be rated an A.

Cut 6 (11) “the ACT”

White says in addition, graduation rates for “A” schools will also have to be at 90-percent, rather than 75-percent. The Every Student Succeeds Act also requires states to show how they plan to measure student achievement as part of their grading system, and White says for the first time ever schools will be judged by how well a student improves over the course of a year.

CUT 7 (06)  “over time”

White says they hope to have these new policy changes in place by the 2017-18 school year. They will need to be approved by both BESE and the US Department of Education. He says the new federal law also provides additional dollars to help students get a well-rounded education.

Cut 8 (09) “change this”

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A class action lawsuit filed today claims Governor John Bel Edwards and the state’s public defender board are not doing enough to adequately fund public defenders. Deputy Legal Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Lisa Graybill, says the US Constitution requires that all accused be provided a suitable defense. But she says that’s not happening in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “to them”

Graybill says budgetary strains leave public defenders carrying two to five times the number of cases recommended. She says 85-percent of defendants in Louisiana are poor, and without proper counsel, they are denied advocacy during arraignments, access to evidence, and assistance with plea negotiations.

Cut 10 (11) “prison population”

The suit notes that Louisiana is the only state that relies primarily on court fees to fund public defender legal services, which includes a fee assessed against indigent defendants. Mark Cunningham, a senior partner with Jones Walker LLP, says that means public defender offices receive more funding for losing cases than winning them.

cut 11 (11) “to intercede”

The lawsuit on behalf of 13 plaintiffs seeks require the state to change its public defender system and for a monitor to be appointed to supervise the system until a new one can be implemented.

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One student has been arrested in connection with a shooting at Scotlandville High School. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says deputies received a call at around noon reporting shots fired at the school. Hicks says deputies have learned a juvenile student fired a weapon in a hallway…

cut 12 (10) “a building”

Hicks says no one was injured during the shooting. She says a detective took the juvenile into custody, along with the weapon about 10 minutes after the incident was reported to authorities.

Cut 13 (07) “school campus“

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Schools around the country are using Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine as a model for their medical curriculum. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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If you’re like most people, you’re probably sick of seeing political posts on Facebook. Halen Doughty has more on an app that takes politics off your newsfeed…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A budget deficit eliminating special session begins next week. Jeff Palermo reports we are waiting to hear how the governor proposes to cover the midyear shortfall…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tulane University’s School of Medicine has become a model for new culinary medicine courses that are being taught around the country. Executive Director of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, Dr. Tim Harlan, says they’ve been offering the courses at Tulane for about 7 years, and now other universities are following suit.

cut 4  (11) “that we do”

There’s even an international school licensed in the UK. Harlan says healthy eating is important in both preventing illnesses and coping with them, especially in cases of diabetes and heart disease. He says this program helps doctors explain nutrition and how it works in layman’s terms.

Cut 5  (12)  “can understand”

A 2014 study shows 75-percent of physicians feel undertrained in counseling patients on nutrition and diet. Harlan says for centuries, culinary medicine wasn’t part of a medical curriculum, but he thinks that will change.

Cut 6 (11) “of that”

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Are you sick of seeing political posts on Facebook? There’s an app for that.  Matt Kruse (Krew-zee) developed the app Social Fixer. He says right now it’s only available for desktop browsers, but he’s working to develop a mobile version. He says the plug in is easy to use once you download it at SocialFixer.com.

CUT 7 (09)  “in your feed”‘

Kruse says more and more Facebook users are downloading Social Fixer, as political discussions are becoming more heated on social media. He says a lot of people are getting upset with friends and family obsessively posting about politics.

Cut 8 (07) “their sanity”

Kruse says Facebook doesn’t currently allow people to filter posts by content. He says this poses a problem for people who want to see what they’re friends are doing, but not their political commentary.

Cut 9 (12)  “in your life”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to release a detailed plan today on how he would like lawmakers to address a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit. Edwards says the plan will include cuts and money that’s available in the state’s savings account

Cut 10 (05) “rainy day fund”

If the legislature adopts Edwards proposal to use 119-million dollars from the rainy day fund that means legislators will need to make 185-million dollars in cuts to eliminate the rest of the deficit. The governor says there are areas in the budget he wants to protect

cut 11 (10) “family services”

Edwards says he’ll also ask legislators to minimize cuts to public colleges, waivers for families who care for those with developmental disabilities and hospitals who provide care for the poor and elderly

cut 12 (09) “make that happen”

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Arraignment for the man accused of killing former-NFL player Joe McKnight is today. Legal analyst Chick Foret says 55-year-old Ronald Gasser will enter a plea of not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. He says this is the first step in the criminal prosecution, and from here a hearing date and a trial date will be set.

Cut 13 (10) “the prosecutors”

Gasser’s attorneys sent a letter to the AP saying Gasser acted in self-defense. The lawyers assert that McKnight tried to open Gasser’s car door, and their client feared for his life. Foret says under Louisiana law, people do have extra protections in their vehicles, but the case won’t be that cut and dry.

cut 14 (11) “the evidence”

Gasser was originally charged with manslaughter when he was arrested on December 5, but the grand jury returned an indictment of second degree murder last week. Foret says that’s not surprising, but this case is far from over. He says there’s still a lot of unanswered questions about what happened that day in Terrytown.

Cut 15 (11) “defense team”

Saturday is World Cancer Day, and people are raising awareness about how to reduce the risk for cancer. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when next will it be New Orleans turn to get the big game? Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be featured on A&E’s “Live PD” in the coming weeks. Spokesperson Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says given the tensions rising between law enforcement and the public, they hope this show will give people a better idea of what deputies deal with every day.

Cut 3 (11) “to embrace it” (2x)

Seuzeneau says the first show will air two to three weeks from now. He says there was some concern from the public about showing the world what happens in St. Tammany Parish, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. He says the camera crews are professionals, and so are the officers.

cut 4  (08) “crew there”

Seuzeneau says “Live PD” is similar to the long-running TV show Cops, except this is live with an 8 minute delay. He says people are used to seeing plenty of bad guys on the reality TV shows. He says while there will certainly be some of that, he expects viewers to see plenty of the good guys too.

Cut 5  (12)  “the parish”

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Saturday is World Cancer Day. Director of the Louisiana Cancer and Prevention Programs with LSU Health New Orleans, Donna Williams, says the goal of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness about cancer prevention methods. She says they want to share a very important message.

Cut 6 (08) “from cancer”

Williams says we are already winning the fight against cancer. She says before the 1930’s cervical cancer was the number one killer of women in the United States. But she says strides in the medical field have greatly reduced the risk for cervical cancer.

CUT 7 (10)  “have plummeted”

Williams says more than half of cancers can be detected early and cured. She says there’s plenty of ways people can reduce their risk for various cancers.

Cut 8 (10) “that mammogram”

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NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when next will it be New Orleans’ turn to get the big game? Jay Cicero with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation says the Super Bowl is already awarded through 2021. He says, if New Orleans is selected to bid to host an 11th time, they would next be eligible in 2023:

Cut 9 (10)  “to New Orleans”

Cicero says they will find out if New Orleans is invited to bid on 2023 this upcoming May. 2013 was the last time the Big Easy hosted the Big game. He says they’ve made bids since that time to host the Super Bowl again, but lost to cities who have brand new amenities…:

Cut 10 (11) “facility”

Through 2021, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles will host the Super Bowl and they all have new or upgraded facilities. Cicero says other cities do a nice job, but nobody has the assets that New Orleans does, combined with the experience…:

cut 11 (10) “hotels”

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There’s a shortage of paramedics around the country, and it’s being felt in the Bayou State too. Justin Cox with Acadian Ambulance says they are short 30 paramedics, which puts a serious strain on the medics who have to fill that need. Cox says turnover for paramedics is high, because it’s a demanding job

cut 12 (08) “and mentally”

Cox says it takes roughly two years to go from zero to hero and complete a rigorous training program. Starting paramedics make about 42-thousand dollars a year. He says they are offering a 15-thousand dollar signing bonus for new hires in an effort to lure people to their industry…

Cut 13 (12) “coming up“

Cox says they’re doing everything they can to recruit more paramedics. He says they’re offering incentives for medics to come to Louisiana from neighboring states. He says they also offer tuition payment for people who complete the program and come to work.

cut 14 (09) “as well”

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It’s Cajun Groundhog Day in Acadiana, and things are done a little differently down south than in Punxsutawney. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The next time a strong tropical storm or hurricane threatens the coastal United States, the National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge watches and warnings. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Today is Groundhog Day, and that means something a little different in Acadiana. Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce says unlike our neighbors in the north, we celebrate Cajun Groundhog Day with a nutria rat. She adds that Pierre C. Shadeaux determines the weather a little differently than Punxsutawney Phil.

Cut 3 (08) “we’re sweating”

Today Pierre C. Shadeaux did not see his shadow, which means a nice spring is coming to Acadiana.  While that’s a different outcome than Punxsutawney Phil delivered this morning, Pierce says it’s much more appropriate for Acadiana, especially given the area highs will reach the mid-70s today.

cut 4  (07) “our region”

Pierce says every year they do an essay contest to ask local school children why Pierre C. Shadeaux is important to Acadiana, and the top three winners read their essays on Cajun Groundhog Day. She says it’s always a big event for the entire town, and spectators can get up close and personal with the nutria rat.

Cut 5  (10)  “up close”

Pierce says this is the 19^th year the Daily Iberian has celebrated Cajun Groundhog Day with Pierre C. Shadeaux.

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Newly elected Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announces new policies aimed towards preventing unnecessary lethal force by police officers. Broome says these changes to the department’s use of force policy stem from last July’s officer involved shooting of Alton Sterling.

Cut 6 (12) “when possible”

Broome says officers are also prohibited from shooting at a moving vehicle unless the vehicle or people inside pose an immediate threat to others. She says many of these methods are taught to police officers at the academy….

CUT 7 (10)  “accountability” 

There is speculation that Broome will replace Police Chief Carl Dabadie. But Broome says she’s not ready to make a change with the current leader of the police force.

Cut 8 (10) “a resolution”  

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A Lake Charles doctor has created a new FDA-approved pain relief cream. Dr. Craig Morton has been treating patients at the Center for Orthopedics for years and says many of his patients have been using more than one pain relief cream. He says that’s why he teamed up with chemists to develop Aculeve.

Cut 9 (12)  “works the best”

Dr. Morton says his only options for many patients were medication or injections, which can often lead to side effects. He says Aculeve combines the ingredients that work best without the added risks to the liver and kidneys. He says the cream is available at his clinic or online at Aculeve.com, and patients can get it without a prescription.

Cut 10 (08) “to get”

Dr. Morton says he’s gotten great responses from the patients who have tried Aculeve. He says the cream can be applied directly where the pain is located or where tissue is swollen. He adds that it can be used as needed.

cut 11 (09) “the most”

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The National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge watches and warnings during the 2017 hurricane season, which will be a first. Storm Surge Specialist Jamie Rhome says the amount of water that a named storm can push into a coastal area can be as destructive and deadly as damaging winds

cut 12 (10) “appropriate action”

A storm surge watch will be issued when there’s the possibility of life-threatening rising water moving inland within 48 hours. Rhome says a storm surge warning will be called when the danger of deadly   rising water will take place in the next 36 hours…

Cut 13 (09) “an area“

Rhome says the storm surge watch and warnings will be tailored to the specific locations at risk from life-threatening storm surge flooding…

cut 14 (08) “handle that”

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60-percent of employees have reported pressure in the workplace has increased over the past five years, according to an Accoutemps survey. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says an unattended pot on a stove top led to the fire that took the life of a 5-year-old in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Bossier City couple is behind bars after police say their children tested positive for drugs. Mark Natale with Bossier Police says Child Protective Services launched an investigation into a child abuse complaint involving 35-year-old Shannon Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake. He says CPS tested all five of the couple’s children.

Cut 3 (08) “their systems”

Natale says not all of the children had tested for both marijuana and cocaine, but all had at least one in their systems. He says the children’s ages range from 6 months to 10-years-old.

cut 4  (05) “those narcotics”

Natale says both of the parents have been charged with five counts of cruelty to a juvenile.

Cut 5  (07)  “maximum security facility”

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A survey by Accountemps finds six in ten employees believe stress in the workplace has increased over the last five years. The study also found that 55-percent of those surveyed say worker anxiety is on the rise. Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans, says technology has put more of a burden on workers.

Cut 6 (07) “at least”

Green says the survey also finds 54-percent of CFO’s are aware that their employees are stressed. She says she wasn’t surprised to see stress levels this high with employees.

CUT 7 (07)  “at work” 

According to the survey, 64-percent of employees from 18 to 34 are more stressed about work compared to 59-percent of workers 35 to 54. Green attributes this to younger people’s desire to grow and move up in the company.

Cut 8 (10) “supervisor sets”  

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office believes an unattended pot left on a stove top led to a fatal fire at a Baton Rouge apartment complex that killed a 5-year-old girl. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says an 18-year-old was caring for her sister, Treasure Garner, when she tried to cook fried chicken and left the apartment with a pot of grease on the stove. He says she returned to find the apartment filled with smoke, and there was a frantic attempt to rescue the little girl from the burning home.

Cut 9 (12)  “upstairs bedroom”

Thompson says they are still trying to determine how long the 18-year-old was out of the apartment. He says the girl was missing for some time, as first responders tried to determine if Treasure had escaped. He says fire fighters eventually quelled the flames enough to enter the residence and found Treasure dead in a bedroom.

Cut 10 (12) “the fire”

At least 10 units were damaged in the fire, but Thompson says the investigation is still ongoing into the extent of the damage. He says several other people in the complex were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

cut 11 (10) “the blaze”

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It’s been a great national signing day for LSU, and as expected it looks like they will have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:

cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”

Worsham says LSU’s 2017 recruiting class has a chance at easily finishing in the top 5…:

Cut 13 (10) “Ed Orgeron’s done“

Worsham says one of the big items of note about this class is that it’s really strong defensively….:

cut 14 (09) “somebody else”

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