The Tax Foundation released data on which state imposes the highest combined state and local sales taxes and Louisiana comes in first at 9.98-percent. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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Operation We Care has shipped 300 king cakes overseas to soldiers to celebrate Mardi Gras. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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14 individuals have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Tommy Carnline says each time a search warrant was conducted, it led detectives to find more information or the recovery of stolen property. He says the suspects were part of what seems to be a huge burglary ring.

cut 4  (09) “big ring”

Carnline says three additional suspects are still wanted. He says this group of people burglarized at least six locations, where a variety of items were stolen, including body armor.

Cut 5  (10)  “into cash”

Carnline says some of these burglaries started back in the fall, but the bigger break ins took place in January.

Cut 6 (09) “recover them”

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The Tax Foundation releases data on what each state imposes when it comes to state and local sales taxes, and Louisiana leads the nation with a rate of 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says having a high rate is okay for states if it’s managed well and residents can afford it. But he says that’s not the case in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (10)  “of complexity”‘

Louisiana is facing a 304 million dollar budget deficit and Henchman says the Tax Foundation has recommendations for state lawmakers to fix problems with its tax system. He says the rate is so high because what the tax applies to is so narrow…

Cut 8 (11) “everything else”

Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Washington are ranked behind Louisiana in the top five. Henchman says Louisiana certainly deserves its number one ranking.

Cut 9 (10)  “this point”

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The group, Operation We Care out of St. Tammany Parish, has shipped 300 red, white and blue king cakes to U.S. soldiers overseas to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith says these cakes were specially made by Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in Slidell for the troops. She says it’s all about putting a smile on the soldiers’ faces.

Cut 10 (10) “very happy”

Smith says names of soldiers are gathered by Louisiana people, so typically most soldiers who receive a cake are from the state, but anyone from anywhere can receive a king cake.

cut 11 (10) “like that”

Operation We Care has been sending troops king cakes for 14 years. Smith says they chose to send the red, white and blue cakes rather than traditional Mardi Gras colors to be a little more special and patriotic. She says they are able to send the soldiers these packages strictly though donations.

cut 12 (09) “for us”

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President Donald Trump nominates federal appellate judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. Several Democrats have said they will try and block Trump’s nominee from U.S. Senate confirmation. Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is disappointed Democrats started voicing their concerns, before they knew who the nominee would be

Cut 13 (11) “gonna be”

Senate Democrats have already been slow to confirm many of Mr. Trump’s picks for cabinet secretaries. Scalise points out that most of former President Barack Obama’s cabinet scretaries were already confirmed during his first week in office…

cut 14 (06) “to do”

Meanwhile on the House side, Scalise says legislators are set to pass bills this week to bring jobs back to America…

Cut 15 (12) “moving again”

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It’s national signing day and the LSU Tigers hope to secure a top five recruiting class. Several top recruits have yet to publicly say where they’ll play college football, including Marvin Wilson, the nation’s number one defensive tackle. Sonny Shipp with Geaux  24-7 says Wilson is also very interested in Florida State, but LSU might have an edge over the Seminoles for the Texas product

Cut 16 (12) “trek”

LSU enters national signing day with the sixth best recruiting class in the country, according to 24-7. Shipp says highlighting the class are two quarterbacks, Lowell Narcisse from St. James and Myles Brennan of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Shipp says the class also contains five-star defensive back JaCoby Stevens

Cut 17 (11)   “this class”

LSU also needs to sign linebackers and they hop to get a couple of them to sign today. He says they already have a verbal pledge from the country’s top inside linebacker Jacob Phillips

Cut 18 (10) “beef inside”

Several Republican lawmakers have voiced their opposition to using money from the Rainy Day Fund to solve a 304 million dollar budget shortfall and there is at least one democrat who supports that, as well. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver says revenue will begin to increase soon as the state’s economy is improving as a result of rising oil prices.
cut 10 (10) “…experts says”

Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016 and it shows a significant increase. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 104 cases of human trafficking were called in last year, compared to 75 in 2015. State Police Col Mike Edmonson credits a strong awareness campaign…:
cut 12 (09) “listen to us”

 
Although many main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls show quite a bit of support for the executive order. A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans.
Cut 3 (09) “the policy”

Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on a new power plant that the company says will save customers one-point-three-billion dollars over the next 30 years, because it will be able to more efficiently produce electricity. Spokesperson Michael Burns says the power station will also produce jobs…
cut 7 (10) “….the plant”

Burns says they expect the plant to begin running in 2019.

Many Republican state lawmakers do not want to use the Rainy Day Fund to solve the 304 million dollar budget deficit and there is also a Democrat opposed to it, as well. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016, and it shows a significant increase. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Although most main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls released show quite a bit of support for the executive order. A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans.

Cut 3 (09) “the policy”

Johnson believes a lot of the outcry comes from how quickly the ban was issued bringing a lot of confusion. A survey by Rasmussen finds 57-percent of people polled support the ban but Johnson says that poll is skewed because they only call landlines.

cut 4  (08) “you have”

Johnson says Rasmussen also finds voters support President Donald Trump at over 50-percent and every other survey that calls cell phones finds Trump has about a 43-percent approval rating.

Cut 5  (05)  “his policies”

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Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on an 869-million dollar power plant in St. Charles Parish. Michael Burns with Entergy says this new power station will provide Louisianans with affordable and reliable electricity. He says it will be one of the cleanest and most efficient natural gas plants.

Cut 6 (10) “for customers”

And Burns says over the next 30 years, customer savings will total 1.3 billion dollars. He also says the power plant will produce jobs.

CUT 7 (10)  “the plant” 

Burns says the plant will begin operations in June of 2019. He says this power station is an excellent example of Entergy’s commitment of modern facilities and customer service.

Cut 8 (08) “generation fleet”  

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Several Republicans in the state legislature have voiced opposition into using money from the Rainy Day Fund to solve a 304 million dollar budget deficit, but there is at least one Democrat who also opposed it. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver told News Radio 7-10 KEEL that there are other days to eliminate the shortfall without tapping into this fund.

Cut 9 (06)  “that money”

Tarver says even though the Rainy Day Fund was used multiple times during the Jindal administration, we’re not as desperate now, because there are signs the state’s economy is improving as a result of rising oil prices.

Cut 10 (10) “experts says”

A special session will likely begin on February 13^th to address the budget shortfall. Governor Edwards is recommending a combination of cuts and Rainy Day dollars to eliminate the deficit. Tarver says he wants to avoid cuts to public education but there are other areas of the budget that could be cut.

cut 11 (09) “these credits”

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Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016 and it shows a significant increase. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 104 cases of human trafficking were called in last year, compared to 75 in 2015. State Police Col Mike Edmonson credits a strong awareness campaign…:

cut 12 (09) “listen to us”

Louisiana ranked 20th in the nation for the most human trafficking cases reported in 2016. California topped the list with 1323 calls last year. Edmonson says getting victims to come forward begins with compassion and not treating them like criminals…:

Cut 13 (08) “the things you’re doing “

The Polaris data indicates that more victims than ever are reaching out for help. Of the more than 100 cases reported in Louisiana last year, 74 were cases of sex trafficking and 21 of labor trafficking. Edmonson says he’s talked to victims who felt like this was the only life that they were going to ever have…:

cut 14 (09) “somebody else”

For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana is willing to partner with  private companies in the construction of roads. Don Molino has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The National Federation of Independent Business is waiting to see which regulations President Donald Trump has cut in an executive order. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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President Donald Trump announces tonight who he will nominate to replace the late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the first time in the state’s history, Louisiana’s transportation department is looking to see if a private company wants to help pay for highway projects to alleviate congestion along the I-10 corridor in the Baton Rouge area. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says investors have until March 31st to submit their proposals

cut 4  (11) “want to do”

Wilson says private firms that step up to the plate and help finance highway improvements would receive long-term financial contributions from the state. He says public-private construction partnerships like this, attract companies who are part of the global market…

Cut 5  (04)  “major interchanges”

Louisiana has a 13-billion dollar transportation backlog and there’s not enough state dollars to address road and bridge repairs. But Wilson says private investment is an innovative way in getting the cash necessary to fund construction that can enhance traffic flow on I-10…

Cut 6 (06) “deliverying today”

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reduce regulations on small businesses and the National Federation of Independent Business is eagerly awaiting to see which restrictions are cut. State Director Dawn Starns says this order can only help business owners run and grow their businesses.

CUT 7 (11)  “its neck”‘

Starns says they are still learning about which exact regulations Trump reduced because the Obama administration placed so many restrictions on small businesses.

Cut 8 (10) “regulation”

Starns says she ultimately hopes the cost of compliance for small business drops and the complexity of laws they are required to follow are simplified.

Cut 9 (08)  “first step”

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President Donald Trump will announce who he plans to nominate for Supreme Court Justice tonight to replace the late Antonin Scalia. LSU Political Science Professor James Stoner expects Trump will appoint someone who will have a strong Republican voice on the nation’s highest court for at least the next couple of decades.

Cut 10 (10) “record”

One of the reported candidates is William Pryor of Alabama, who is a graduate Tulane and ULM. Stoner says he would be an interesting choice because he didn’t go to Yale or Harvard.

cut 11 (12) “or Yale”

Whoever Trump nominates, it will take 51 votes in the Senate to confirm. But it takes 60 votes to bring the nominee up for a vote on the floor. But Stoner expects the Senate will eventually go along with the president’s selection.

cut 12 (07) “is proposed”

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President Donald Trump is receiving backlash for imposing a travel ban to seven Middle Eastern countries. But Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins supports the president’s executive order. Higgins says there has been too much overreaction to something that was imposed to keep the country safe.

Cut 13 (10) “decisions”

Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond, says this executive order is immoral, unjust, and counterproductive. But Higgins says it’s necessary to take a temporary pause in immigration from these countries while we ramp up our vetting process.

cut 14 (09) “very reasonable”

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has publicly stated the travel ban goes against Catholic principles. Higgins does acknowledge there was some initial misinterpretation of the executive order. He says for the last eight years, under the Obama administration, the threat of radical Islamic terror was ignored.

Cut 15 (09) “called for”

The state Department of Health and the Louisiana Restaurant Association have teamed up to provide healthy dining options. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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President Trump’s travel ban is widely supported by members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A four-year-old boy was killed while walking along the shoulder of Airline Hwy last night in Jefferson Parish, according to State Police. Trooper Melissa Matey says Isiah Winfrey, of Metairie, was on the shoulder of the roadway with his mother when….

Cut 3 (10) “Suburban”

Matey says Winfrey was transported to a local hospital where he later died. She says the driver of the vehicle that hit the boy, 64-year-old Joe Hutshell of Jefferson, is not facing charges…

cut 4  (09) “the crash”

Matey says the investigation is ongoing. She reminds all drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, especially on area roadways and pedestrians should always walk against the flow of traffic.

Cut 5  (08)  “as possible”

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With a 304 million dollars budget deficit and a special session coming up next month, does that mean more cuts to healthcare services? Angela Lorio, co-found of Trach Mommas of Louisiana, is worried she will lose state assistance for her 3-year-old son who uses a feeding tube. She says using the Rainy Day Fund to offset the shortfall is a no brainer.

Cut 6 (10) “on that”

Lorio says she appreciates that Governor Edwards called a special session to open up other areas of the budget so cuts won’t be so deep to health care and education. She says the stress level and expenses the family of disabled people face already causes extreme stress and it’s not fair to take away assistance they desperately need.

CUT 7 (09)  “unconscionable” 

Lorio says the easiest decisions lawmakers have to make is dipping into the Rainy Day Fund. But she says that’s only 119 million dollars that helps offset cuts.

Cut 8 (11) “Day Fund”  

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The state Department of Health and the Louisiana Restaurant Association have teamed up to encourage dining establishments to offer more healthy options on their menus. It’s part of the state’s ongoing Well-Ahead initiative. Well-Ahead Louisiana director Melissa Martin says they’ve developed a set of health and wellness benchmarks for restaurants..:

Cut 9 (10)  “sodium content”

Establishments who meet the benchmarks will become a designated Well-Ahead WellSpot. Martin says in a time when Americans are eating out more than ever, this partnership with LRA is an opportunity to help residents make smarter food choices. She says they also encourage restaurant owners to have healthier children’s menus…:

Cut 10 (10) “fried meats available”

To become a designated WellSpot, or to find out what establishments meet these healthy standards, visit well-ahead-la.com. Martin says other wellness benchmarks they recommend for restaurants is to accommodate certain dietary restrictions, and prohibit smoking in outdoor sitting areas. She says Louisiana is known for its great food, but just because a dish is healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor..:

cut 11 (09) “some of those calories”

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A majority of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation supports President Donald Trump’s executive order placing travel bans on people from seven Middle Eastern countries. U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports the President’s order and says unlike former President Barack Obama, the Trump administration is enforcing America’s immigration laws.

cut 12 (11) “of origin”

Senior U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy also supports the order but believes it could be refined to allow doctors from other countries to travel to their patients. Kennedy says there has been a lot of overreaction to the travel ban order.

Cut 13 (10) “the law“

Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond opposes the order and tweeted “The Christian Right is wrong for being silent on the issue. It’s the silence of good people that allows evil to persist.” But Republican U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish is behind the travel ban 100-percent.

cut 14 (11) “that stuff”

Abraham says some people in disagreement are trying to portray the order as a Muslim ban, but that’s not the case at all. He says the President is just trying to protect our borders.

Cut 15 (09) “his administration”

________________________________

Could we one day see a self-driving bus pick up and drop off passengers in New Orleans? Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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A study group for the state Department of Education finds a significant jump in the number of students completing the federal financial assistance application. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Two University of Oklahoma Students have been arrested for breaking into Tiger Stadium. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Department of Transportation announced construction will begin this summer in West Monroe to widen a 3.2 mile stretch of Arkansas Road between LA 143 and Caldwell Road. DOTD Spokesperson Marshall Hill says the road will be turned into four lanes and a center turn lane will be added to help alleviate traffic.

cut 4  (08) “not great”

Hill says four round-a-bouts will also be added at major intersections. He says the project should take three years to complete.

Cut 5  (11)  “the roadway”

Hill says the project will cost $32.9 million dollars. He says they are excited construction will begin soon because this project has been delayed since 1981.

Cut 6 (11) “to fruition”

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Now is your chance to ride in a self-driving automated shuttle, as a demonstration takes place in New Orleans today. Neil Hemenover with Transdev North America says the vehicle was created by EasyMile and is already in use in Europe. He says the technology is available for a self-driving shuttle to follow a set route.

CUT 7 (09)  “the speed”‘

Hemenover says about 4-thousand people a day use a self-driving shuttle in France and the Netherlands. He says these vehicles can also be seen in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Cut 8 (11) “public streets”

Hemeover says Transdev thinks New Orleans is a great place for this technology with the amount of visitors coming into the city. He says the public will get to go for a ride at 1 p.m. on Monday at the Convention Center.

Cut 9 (09)  “to stand”

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A Louisiana Department of Education study group finds a significant increase in the number of students completing the application for federal financial assistance. The rate of kids completing the FASFA form increased by 24-percent from last year. Educational Technology Consultant Stephanie Marcum attributes this jump to cuts in funding to the TOPS scholarship program.

Cut 10 (08) “by TOPS”

Marcum says in the past, Louisiana students have been bad about filling out the application and leaving that grant money on the table. She says a lack of education about what FASFA is, contributed to such low numbers of students actually completing the form.

cut 11 (11) “financial aid”

Marcum says the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance is now open for students to fill out in October, rather than in January. She says the hope is this increase becomes more than just a one year thing…

cut 12 (09) “our state”

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State Police say nearly two million dollars worth of drugs are off the streets of Central Louisiana as the result of the arrest of an Alexandria man. Trooper Scott Moreau says earlier this month detectives began investigating 37-year-old Derrick Felton for distribution of methamphetamine and he was taken into custody during a traffic stop

Cut 13 (10) “more cash”

Moreau says the street value of the drugs seized is approximately one-point-seven million dollars

cut 14 (11) “of heroin”

Moreau says they also seized over 100-thousand dollars worth of cocaine and 67-thousand dollars in cash. Felton was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He says the drugs were not only found in his vehicle, but also at multiple residences in Alexandria, so more arrests are likely

Cut 15 (04) “the beginning”

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Spring practice is underway for the LSU baseball team, who goes into this season with some of the best talent in the country. The Tigers pitching staff has two veteran starters along with a senior closer. LSU also has plenty of experience in the field and Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased about that…

Cut 16 (20) “in this league”

In the infield, Cole Freeman and Kramer Robertson return as LSU’s starting second baseman and shortstop. Freshman Josh Smith is expected to start at third and Mainieri plans to play Jake Slaugther at first base, which is a new position for the former Ouachita Christian standout

Cut 17 (23)   “so forth”

Opening day for the Tigers is February 17th against Air Force. Mainieri says it’s an open competition for a starter in left field between Beau Jordan and Brennan Breaux. Mainieri says Breaux looks like a different player this year…

Cut 18 (23) “for the job”

Governor John Bel Edwards announces plans for a special session to begin on February 13th to fix a 304-million dollar budget deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for online dating, according to a report by High-Speed-Internet.com. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces he will call a special session so legislators can make what he calls “painful” cuts  to address a 304-million dollar shortfall. Edwards says the 11-day special session would start February 13th…

Cut 3 (12) “so much”

Edwards says he will not ask legislators to raise taxes during the special session, but he will recommend using 119-million dollars in money from the state’s rainy day fund in an effort to soften the cuts….

cut 4  (09) “of Louisiana”

Edwards says he’ll present a budget slashing plan to the legislature by February sixth. The governor says he will NOT recommend cuts to K-through-12 education, prisons and social services. He says during the special session he’d like input from the legislature and the public about how the state should spend its money…

Cut 5  (09)  “will be considered”

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A report released by High-Speed-Internet.com finds Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for online dating. Researcher for the website, Kaz Weida, says the Bayou State received a high ranking because of its high rate of adults with STDs.

Cut 6 (10) “sex with”

Weida says another factor that makes the Bayou State so dangerous for online dating is the extremely high rate of crime.

CUT 7 (08)  “a crime” 

Weida says they are also concerned about Louisiana’s weak policies when it comes to sex education in public schools…

Cut 8 (07) “specifically”  

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A one-month-old infant is in critical condition and an 18-year-old father under arrest amid allegations he shook the baby violently, according to the Mandeville Police Department. Chief Gerald Sticker says they got a call from the hospital reporting the baby’s condition – so deputies began asking questions…:

Cut 9 (09)  “the infant’s brain”

Sticker identifies the teenage father as Stephen Michael Dufresne of Mandeville and he’s been charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile. He says the baby was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and is in critical condition…:

Cut 10 (07) “homicide”

Dufresne faces up to 40 years in jail if convicted. Sticker says the suspect and baby’s mother live together, but at the time mom was at work. He says the grandmother discovered the baby’s condition and rushed to the hospital…:

cut 11 (08) “difficulty breathing”

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The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival announces the 2017 lineup and it includes Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Maroon 5, Snoop Dog, Dave Matthews and Harry Connick Jr. — just to name a few. Jazzfest producer Quint Davis says once again the event has something for everyone…:

cut 12 (09) “who’s an artist”

It all happens at the New Orleans Fairgrounds the last weekend in April and first weekend in May. Much of Jazz Fest was rained out last year which is extremely rare, and Davis had only this to say about a crowd turnout in 2017…:

Cut 13 (06) “really lot of people“

You can find the full lineup online at nojazzfest.com. Snoop Dog and Stevie Wonder were pushed out by the rain in 2016, so Davis says it’s great that they’ve decided to return this year. He says not only is the Jazzfest wildly popular for it’s amazing musical lineup and arts and crafts, there’s no place else you can get a gourmet meal in a field:

cut 14 (09) “trout baquet”

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Today the possibility of another legislative special session could become a reality. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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More than 2-thousand Louisianans are in Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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President Donald Trump’s idea to impose a 20-percent tax on Mexican imports to pay for the border wall could have implications for the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A special session to rebalance the state’s budget could become more of a reality today. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford anticipates the Edwards administration will present three options to the joint legislative budget on fixing a 304-million dollar shortfall.

cut 4  (12) “special session”

Alford says what the committee decides, will indicate whether or not another special session will be called before the regular session in April. He says if one is necessary, the Governor will likely call the legislature back in mid-February.

Cut 5  (11)  “million dollar deficit”

Many republican lawmakers are not in favor of using rainy day money to help solve the shortfall and prefer more cuts to state spending. Last year legislators approved 1.5 billion dollars in tax increases to solve a budget crisis. Alford says there has been some talk about increasing certain fees to raise more revenue this year.

Cut 6 (09) “some aren’t”

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Over 2-thousand Louisiana residents are in Washington D.C. along with hundreds of thousands of Americans for today’s annual March for Life. Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life Ben Clapper says there is a renewed sense of hope under a Trump administration.

CUT 7 (08)  “in America”‘

On Saturday, there will be a March for Life in Shreveport, where 5-thousand people are expected to be in attendance. Clapper says the majority of people in attendance from Louisiana are under 22-years-old.

Cut 8 (10) “among us”

Last week, hundreds of thousands participated in the Woman’s March on Washington, after the inauguration of President Trump. Clapper says the March for Life has been going on for 44 years.

Cut 9 (10)  “or unborn”

________________________________________

A report from U-Haul finds that Louisiana’s population might have grown during 2016. The Bayou State came in at number eight U-Haul’s growth report, based on more truck rentals coming into the state than leaving. U-Haul North Louisiana president Warren Iles…

Cut 10 (11) “U-Haul trucks”

But Iles says that doesn’t necessarily mean the population is growing at the same rate trucks are arriving. He says the historic floods Louisiana endured last year could have impacted the numbers.

cut 11 (10) “bringing in items”

Iles says they’re opening more truck rental stores and self-storage rooms around the state. He says even if the population isn’t growing, business certainly is, which he says is good news for the state.

cut 12 (08) “last year”

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President Donald Trump is considering a 20-percent tax on Mexican imports to pay for a wall along the southern border, so what does that mean for Louisiana? LSU economist Loren Scott says if the tax is imposed, Mexico will likely up the price of their exports to the US, which means American consumers will foot the bill.

Cut 13 (10) “from Mexico”

Scott says that would be bad news for the economy because Mexico is America’s number two trading partner behind Canada. He says it’s also likely Mexico will impose a tax on products shipped from the U.S.

cut 14 (07) “natural gas here”

Scott says anytime a country engages in a trade war with another country, it’s bad for the economy at home. He says trade wars are one of the key reasons we entered the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Cut 15 (08) “by two-thirds”

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High school principals will vote today on a plan that would reduce the number of state football championships from nine to seven. The vote takes place at the LHSAA convention in Baton Rouge. Iowa (Eye-oh-way) prinicpal Mike Oakley says the proposal will also reduce the number of title games  in basketball, baseball and softball

Cut 16 (17) “strain on em”

There is no proposal in today’s meeting to reverse the expanded public-private school split that the association voted for last year. Oakley says by reducing the the number of classes and divisions, it should reduce the number of teams who receive a bye and create a more spirited postseason in the sports impacted by the split

Cut 17 (14)   “in January”

close friend of the fallen Westwego police officer is raising money for his family on a Go Fund Me Page. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU basketball suffered its worst loss at home since 1963 and it appears Johnny Jones’ days as the head coach of the Tigers is over. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The LSU men’s basketball team suffered a historic loss last night to Florida. It was the Tigers worst loss at home since 1963, as the Gators devoured the Tigers 106-71. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham believes Johnny Jones’ days are numbered as head coach….

Cut 3 (08) “are off”

Last night’s loss is also the fourth time in the season the Tigers have lost by at least 30 points. Worsham says Jones’ job is in danger and it would take a miracle for him to keep it. But he says athletic director Joe Alleva will likely not fire Jones midseason like he did with Les Miles.

cut 4  (11) “and coaches”

The Tigers are 9-10 overall, 1-7 in the SEC, and have lost six games in a row. Worsham says Jones has two more years left on his contract after this season…

Cut 5  (11)  “will do”

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A Go Fund Me page has been set up for Michael Louviere (Lou-v-air), the Westwego police officer who was fatally shot in Marrero. Reese d’Aquin (DAH-can) is a lifelong friend of Louviere and professional film maker who established the page, which features a video of d’Aquin telling the world about his childhood friend. D’Aquin, who now lives in Florida, says he just wanted to do what he could to help.

Cut 6 (12) “heard of”

Louviere served his country as a Marine, completing a tour in Afghanistan. D’Aquin says the money raised on the page will benefit Louviere’s wife, Ashley, and two young children.  He says the page has already raised more than $50-thousand of the $300-thousand goal.

CUT 7 (11)  “leaves behind” 

D’Aquin says Louviere overcame the adversities in his life with love and joy. In that same sentiment, he ends the story on the Go Fund Me page with a plea for people to hug their loved ones, or better yet hug a stranger.

Cut 8 (12) “better place”

Donations to Louviere’s family can be made at GoFundMe.com/michael-louviere-an-american-hero.

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A team of LSU mechanical engineers are in California to test out a pod that can float inside a vacuum tube and travel 500 to 600 miles per hour. LSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor and the team’s faculty adviser Aly-Mousaad Aly says the team is eager to see how fast the pod will actually travel.

Cut 9 (10)  “real world”

The Hyperloop team is one of 30 teams selected out of 1,000 to test out their prototype at a competition for a new high-speed transportation system on January 27^th– 29^th. Aly expects the LSU team will perform well in the competition…

Cut 10 (10) “the goal”

If the infrastructure was in place, the pod could travel from Baton Rouge to New Orleans in 10 minutes. Aly says the theory of an underground high speed transportation system might not be practical in Louisiana because of the wet soil, but is happy the students can put their skills to use.

cut 11 (12) “transportation”

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Former state Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham defended his spending practices before a panel of lawmakers who were discussing an audit that accuses Barham of misappropriating BP funds while in office. Barham admits LDWF made extraordinary and unusual purchases, like three metal shark boats…

cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

The audit says samples of fish taken after the oil spill sat for days and were not properly tested. But Barham says those samples were frozen and properly taken. He says the department was put in charge of bringing the seafood back into the market.

Cut 13 (10) “a fish“

The critical audit of LDWF’s spending practices looked at purchases made from 2010 to 2015, when Barham was secretary. Barham says suggestions that there were systemic problems couldn’t be further from the truth.

cut 14 (11) “safety program”

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A Carencro man is facing charges for disposing used oil into state waters. Greg Langley with the Department of Environmental Quality says 41-year-old Roshell Darjean changed the oil in an 18-wheeler and decided to pour between 5 and 10 gallons of oil into a ditch that drains into Bayou Carencro.

Cut 15 (12) “or both”

Langley says someone reported seeing oil coming from a storm drain, and hazmat teams were deployed to contain the substance. He says people performing maintenance on their vehicles can recycle used oil at most auto supply stores. He says not only is dumping oil illegal, it’s bad for the environment.

Cut 16  (10)  “drinking water”

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State wildlife agent Tyler Wheeler of Monroe, who was shot five times during a traffic stop last month, will be released from a Shreveport hospital today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Governor’s Office says Representative Lance Harris’ budget cutting plan would close hospitals, the release of inmates, and a historic cut to public schools. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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President Donald Trump says he wants to conduct a major investigation into voter fraud, but Secretary of State Tom Schedler says that’s not necessary in Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves more than $1.5 million in funding for teaching residencies. Department of Education Assistant Superintendent of Talent, Hannah Dietsch (HAHN-ah), says beginning in 2018 teacher candidates will be required to complete one year residencies, similar to doctors. She says $1 million of the investment will go to Louisiana universities that will offer the programs.

cut 4  (09) “program design”

Dietsch says the nearly $600-thousand in additional funds will go towards stipends for program participants. She says part of the funds will provide $2,000 stipends to 233 teaching residents.

Cut 5  (07)  “the classroom”

The money comes from existing state and federal funds. Dietsch says teaching mentors in 18 partnering school systems will also get a check. She says 288 mentor teachers hosting the yearlong residencies will each receive a $1,000 stipend as well.

Cut 6 (08) “preparation programs”

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The state wildlife agent who was shot five times, is scheduled to be released from a Shreveport hospital Thursday. 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler of Monroe was shot in the temple, jaw, shoulder, arm and back while questioning a motorist last month in Morehouse Parish. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says Wheeler is expected to make a full recovery.

CUT 7 (09)  “so far”‘

Wheeler’s father, Darren, says doctors are pleased with Tyler’s motor skills, memory and overall condition. Einck says once discharged, Tyler Wheeler will go to a rehab facility in Mississippi.

Cut 8 (07) “go home”

Two Monroe residents remain in jail on charges of attempted first degree murder of a police officer and accessory after the fact in relation to Wheeler’s shooting. Einck says doctors have been calling Wheeler the miracle patient for his speedy recovery.

Cut 9 (06)  “behind him”

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The Governor’s Office says a Republican lawmaker’s plan to close a $304 million dollar deficit would cripple public-private-hospitals, lead to the release of 45-hundred inmates and make a historic cut to public schools.  Communications Director Richard Carbo says Lance Harris of Alexandria’s proposal would devastate state agencies.

Cut 10 (10) “would be impacted”

Harris released his proposal last week as an example of how the state can close a large midyear deficit without tapping tap into the rainy day fund. But Carbo says it is imperative rainy day dollars are used to ease some of the pain of the cuts.

cut 11 (09) “of Louisiana”

Harris has also said the governor can make the necessary cuts without the need of a special session. But Carbo says without a special session, spending cuts will be focused primarily on health care, higher education and the Department of Corrections.

cut 12 (11) “special session”

But Harris stands by his suggestions. He says LDH’s budget has grown nearly 24% in just one year. He says the Department of Health’s spending is getting out of control and the governor can make cuts to that agency without the legislature getting involved.

Cut 13 (07) “last year”

Harris believes the budget can be cut without cutting waivers for the developmentally disabled or reducing funding for hospitals.

cut 14 (11) “that need it”

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Walker Police are working to identify a female body that was found under an I-12 bridge. Captain John Sharp says employees of Gravity Draining District Five of Livingston Parish were working to clear debris under the bridge when they made the gruesome discovery.

Cut 15 (05) “white female”

Sharp says the woman appears to have been dead for at least a week. He says at this point they have a lot of unanswered questions.

Cut 16 (08) “her death”

The Livingston Parish Coroner will schedule and conduct an autopsy to determine a cause of death. Sharp says given the circumstances, they are treating the investigation as a homicide. He says their priority is trying to identify who the woman is because it’s likely someone is looking for her.

Cut 17 (12)   “quickly”

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Louisiana Tech begins a difficult road trip tonight in Birmingham as they visit the UAB Blazers, the defending regular season champs in Conference USA. The Bulldogs bring a season-high four-game winning streak into tonight’s contest and Head Coach Eric Konkol credits tough defense for his team’s recent winning ways

Cut 18 (14) “as well”

The Bulldogs are led by Erik McCree, who is averaging 17 points a game. Konkol says the senior from Orlando is doing a little bit of everything for the Dunkin Dogs…

Cut 19 (15)   “on the court”

Tech enters the game 6-1 in CUSA and in second place in the league standings. UAB is 5-2 and Konkol says handling the Blazers pressure will be a key…

cut 20 (20)   “good shape”