Car insurance rates in the Bayou State are on the rise again and a few factors could be the major culprits. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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With help from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, a pregnant mother from Haughton is donating her terminal baby’s tissue for research. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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UNO represents Louisiana in the NCAA Tournament tonight as they face Mount St. Mary’s in a First Four contest in Dayton, Ohio. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana car insurance rates are on the rise again and one big culprit could be the smartphone. The National Highway Safety Administration finds distracted driving is the cause for 20-percent of crashes in the state. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says drivers are having a hard time putting down the cell phone and focusing on the road.

Cut 4  (10) “while driving”

Donelon says the Bayou State’s auto insurance rates have been rising for the last five years with the biggest jump of an 8 percent increase last year. He says the growing sophistication of vehicles also adds to higher auto insurance rates.

Cut 5  (10)  “and replace”

A report by the LSU Highway Safety Group finds from 2011 to 2015, the number of motor vehicle accidents rose by over 12 percent. Donelon says with gas prices around two bucks a gallon, there are move vehicles on the road, creating an increased risk for a wreck.

Cut 6 (11) “increases”

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A Haughton woman with a fatal pregnancy is making a selfless contribution to science with the help of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. Kirsten Heintz with LOPA says at 18 weeks pregnant, Brittney Walls found out her baby suffers from a fatal disease that causes the brain and skull to be underdeveloped. She says Walls decided to donate her baby’s neonatal tissue for research.

Cut 7 (09)  “Type I diabetes”

Heintz says Walls’ baby is not eligible to be an organ donor, but with research donation she can help millions of people, instead of just one. She says Walls will carry her child to term before being induced to donate the infant’s tissue. She says this donation can bring a sense of fulfillment for mothers who will inevitably lose their child.

Cut 8 (10) “their pregnancies”

Walls has decided to name the child Anastacia Faith, and doctors say she may live a few hours or a couple of days, but no more than that. Heintz says LOPA strives to make the little time these mothers have with their children as precious as possible.

Cut 9 (11)  “donation request”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism is promoting the Bayou State to travelers from Germany, as Condor Airlines prepares to offer direct flights to New Orleans this summer. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says representatives from his office spent the last week in Berlin promoting Louisiana’s food, culture, and history to the German-speaking market. But their efforts don’t stop there.

Cut 10 (08) “from Germany”

Nungesser says his office has established multiple websites, brochures, and social media sites in German to sell the Louisiana lifestyle to German travelers. He hopes these direct flights into the Crescent City allow these tourists to see more of the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (11) “all around Louisiana”

Nungesser says while in Louisiana, German visitors stay about 7 days and spend an average of $400 per day. He says German visitors make up nearly 10-percent of all international visitors to Louisiana. He says Louisiana is on the right track to boost international tourism even more, especially with this new direct flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Cut 12 (08) “international travel”

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The Governor’s Office says speculation that State Police Col. Mike Edmonson will step down is just a rumor. The State Police Superintendent has been surrounded in controversy over questionable travel by state troopers, and now troopers are being subpoenaed for a federal investigation looking into illegal campaign donations. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche, says none of this looks good for LSP.

Cut 13 (10) “the superintendent”

Goyeneche says the investigations are undoubtedly a distraction for the agency. The Legislative Auditor’s Office says they will launch their own investigation into state police travel spending. Goyeneche says the public deserves to know how LSP is spending public funds.

Cut 14 (09) “will go forward”

Goyeneche says questionable acts involving Edmonson have been taking place for the last few years. In 2014, a bill was approved to increase Edmonson’s pension. The Colonel denied knowing about the legislation. He says Edmonson did the same when it was learned that someone signed off on the troopers’ controversial side trips.

Cut 15 (09) “underneath him”

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UNO will play in its first Division one NCAA Tournament game tonight since 1996 when they face Mount St. Mary’s in a First four matchup in Dayton, Ohio. The Privateers secured an invite to the Big Dance by winning the Southland Tournament Championship game on Saturday night. Head Coach Mark Slessinger says it’s been a crazy last couple of days…

Cut 16 (09) “with you”

Tonight’s game will tip-off at 5:30 on Tru-TV. Slessinger is pumped about the national exposure UNO is and will receive

Cut 17 (15)  “part of it”

Mount St. Mary’s is located in Maryland and they won the regular season and tournament titles in the Northeast Conference. Slessinger says the Mountaineers up tempo style is quite different from what the Privateers do…

Cut 18 (18) “can be”

The percentage of people who admit to having a gambling problem in Louisiana went from 2-3% in 2008, to 8% in 2016. Emelie Gunn reports on this growing problem…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Community leaders participate in statewide litter-a-thon for Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Leaders Against Litter. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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A $10 million investment raised with the help of Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will help expand the Lake Charles founded food delivery platform,  Waitr. Jeff Palermo reports:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Loyola law professor releases a report on ways Louisiana can reduce its highest-in-the-world incarceration rate. Professor Bill Quigley says the first step is admitting there’s a problem. He says one way to solve the issue would be to let people out of jail while they’re awaiting trial.

Cut 4  (11) “nonviolent crimes”

Quigley says people that are in jail are much more likely to plead guilty. He says Louisiana is one of only two states that allows people to be convicted with less than a unanimous jury. He says sentencing reform is needed as well, particularly for repeat offenders.

Cut 5  (11)  “of themselves”

Quigley says classifying drug offense as victimless crimes is another step Louisiana could take to reduce prison populations. Governor John Bel Edwards has said criminal justice reform will be a key issue in the upcoming regular session. Quigley hopes lawmakers implement the necessary changes to keep people out of jail because imprisonment ruins lives.

Cut 6 (12) “self-sufficient”

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Gambling addiction has become a growing problem in Louisiana as it affects an estimated 180-thousand people statewide. Executive Director of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling Janet Miller says directly asking if someone has a problem is the best method to tackle the addition…:

Cut 7 (10)  “in debt”

Miller says compulsive gambling causes extreme depression in addicts who also have trouble concentrating and show a deterioration in work performance. Suicide is also a big problem associated with those who can’t kick the habit. She says gambling addictions in Louisiana were at about the 2-3% mark in 2008…:

Cut 8 (11) “dramatic jump”

To raise awareness about Louisiana’s services for those experiencing problems with gambling, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared March, “National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.” Miller advises anyone affected by gambling to contact the Problem Gambler’s Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP for free assistance.

Cut 9 (09)  “gambling”

She says the helpline handles on average 2400 calls or direct requests for help every month.

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Community leaders around the state are teaming up with Keep Louisiana Beautiful for the fight against litter. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Leaders Against Litter are leading the way to a cleaner Louisiana. He says officials gathered Friday for a statewide litter-a-thon to kick off the campaign…:

Cut 10 (12) “in Louisiana”

Nungesser says litter costs the state money, hurts communities, and even hurts tourism. He says when people visit a place, they leave with an experience. He says it’s important we as a state put our best foot forward so tourists leave the Bayou State wanting to return.

Cut 11 (10) “absolutely beautiful”

The litter-a-thon comes ahead of the Great American Cleanup, which takes place April 22. Nungesser says one of the most important things we can do to keep the state clean is educate young people about the importance of picking up litter.

Cut 12 (09) “be proud of”

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The Lake Charles founded food delivery platform Waitr is expanding thanks to a $10 million investment from an investor group led by Saints Quarterback Drew Brees. President and CEO Chris Meaux says Waitr is currently in 18 cities in four states, and this new funding will allow them to open 24 new markets this year.

Cut 13 (10) “of California”

Meaux says Alexandria and Monroe are next to get Waitr, and maybe Houma after that. He says they hire a lot of people in the state, which is something that attracted Brees to work with them. He says the quarterback is also in the restaurant business himself.

Cut 14 (10) “on our team”

The smartphone app, which is available on Google Play and in the Apple Store, allows users to order food from local restaurants for carryout or delivery. Meaux says they try to make ordering as easy as possible for the consumer. He says they call it frictionless dining.

Cut 15 (07) “your door”

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The coaching search is on for the LSU men’s basketball team and Athletic Director Joe Alleva says he’ll be looking for someone who can put the excitement back into the program. After a couple of less-than-stellar seasons, Johnny Jones was released. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says there are many appealing aspects of this job…:

Cut 16 (13) “spend some money”

Worsham says it’s a little early to predict who could be the next Tigers’ hoops coach, but one of the name’s he’s heard as a top prospect is Notre Dame coach Mike Brey…:

Cut 17 (12)  “Northwestern State”

Worsham also pegs former LSU assistant Eric Musselman who is the head coach at Nevada right now…:

Cut 18 (08) “conference”

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The sixth ranked LSU baseball team completed a three-game sweep of Wichita State with a 9-2 victory over the Shockers on a chilly afternoon at Alex Box Stadium. Left fielder Antoine Duplantis of Lafayette drove in a four runs and freshman Eric Walker pitched six scoreless innings for his second win. Coach Paul Mainieri is pleased with the victory….

Cut 19 (11)   “the weekend”

LSU went into the weekend on a bit of a slide as they had lost three of their last four. But Mainieri shook up the line-up as moved shortstop Kramer Robertson to lead-off and batted Duplantis third and it helped the Tigers score 27 runs during the three-game series…

Cut 20 (12)   “many runs”

The New Orleans Police Department says children are involved in a shooting that left multiple people dead and one injured in the Gentilly area…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Johnny Jones era is officially over. LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva announced this morning that the five year coach had been relieved of his duties. Don Molino reports…:

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Orleans Parish Coroner has identified the victims, including children, in a crime that left three dead and one wounded at a home in the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Authorities report the victims are 30-year-old Monique Smith, 6-year-old Jumyrin Smith and 10-year-old Justin Simms. Police Chief Michael Harrison says they responded to a shooting at about 5 a.m. where police found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound and then discovered a horrific scene…

Cut 3 (10) “rattles everybody”

The shooting occurred on the corner of Mandolin and Touro. Harrison says the investigation is ongoing…

cut 4  (07) “done this”

Harrison says says currently, no one is in custody and urges anyone with information about this crime to come forward.

Cut 5  (10)  “to justice”

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The Louisiana State Troopers Association is reportedly the subject of a federal investigation alleging the nonprofit made illegal campaign contributions. That’s according to Tom Aswell, publisher of the political blog Louisiana Voice who broke the first story on the investigation. He says the nonprofit association’s board funneled the money through its executive director David Young.

Cut 6 (13) “state police”

Classified state employees, like troopers, cannot make campaign contributions. The alleged donations include more than $10-thousand to former-Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor John Bel Edwards. Aswell says Edwards returned the money when he learned the source. He believes the investigation goes all the way to the top.

CUT 7 (07)  “Michael Edmonson”

Aswell says earlier this week, the FBI served 18 subpoenas at the board of directors meeting.  He says the FBI will try to get information from these individuals to learn what they may have done on Edmonson’s behalf. But he says his sources suggest someone is trying to hinder the investigation.

Cut 8 (07) “the FBI”

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After 5 seasons, Johnny Jones is no longer the head coach of the LSU men’s basketball team. Athletic Director Joe Alleva made the announcement this morning.:

Cut 9 (08)  “basketball coach “

Jones, who was a member of LSU’s Final Four team in 1981, tweeted that it’s been an honor to serve the LSU community for 22 years. Alleva will now look to hire his third men’s hoops coach since coming to LSU in 2008. Asked what he would be looking for in the search for a new coach…:

Cut 10 (11) “it just didn’t work out”

All of Jones’ assistants have been fired, as well. The Tigers failed to qualify for postseason play in 2016 and 2017, and Jones’ final team finished 2-16 in league play, losing a school-record 15 straight games in the process. Alleva said it was appropriate to wait until now to make a final decision on Jones…:

cut 11 (08) “right thing to do”

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As Louisianans prepare for crawfish boils this weekend, one lucky crawdad won’t be in a sack. Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser teamed up with Zatarain’s to pardon a mudbug. He says the crawfish was set free in Bayou Segnette State Park to live out his days safe from crawfishers’ nets.

cut 12 (07) “every year”

Nungesser says of the more than 120 million pounds of crawfish we eat every year, they thought it was only fair to set one free. He says the pardoned crawfish was appropriately named Emile after the founder of Zatarain’s, who introduced boil mixes in the 1920s.

Cut 13 (08) “great seasoning”

Nungesser says every year, the pardoned mudbug will be named in honor of someone who contributes to the industry. He says it’s a tradition that will continue on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras every year.

cut 14 (08) “as well”

The Governor’s Office is hosting an equal pay summit today in Baton Rouge. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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The eastbound lanes of I-10 near Sorrento will close over the weekend as crews move a damaged bridge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After the stripper age requirement law was blocked by a federal judge, the author of the measure says he plans to bring it back in the upcoming regular session. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today, the Governor’s Office hosts an equal pay summit in downtown Baton Rouge. Co-chair of the summit Aprill Springfield says equal pay is good for families, businesses, and the state. She says women make up about half of Louisiana’s workforce but live in the second highest rate of poverty in the US.

Cut 4  (08) “in the economy”

Springfield says the three panel summit will cover the facts about pay equity, business solutions and practices, and a call to action. She says pay equity would also help the state by moving more people off government assistance programs. She says Louisiana’s wage gap equates to more than $16-thousand a year.

Cut 5  (09)  “working families”

Springfield says equal pay boosts productivity in the workplace, helps with recruiting, and increases competitiveness. She says an equal pay bill died in last year’s legislative session, and they’re hoping with this call to action that pay equity can finally be achieved in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “this session”

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The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Sorrento will be closed over the weekend as crews with the state Department of Transportation will remove a damaged bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the two lane closure will begin tonight at 9 and the highway will reopen Monday at 5 a.m.. He recommends checking multiple alternative routes to avoid big delays.

Cut 7 (09)  “corridor”

The designated detour takes motorists on U.S. 61 to LA 641 back onto I-10 east. Mallet says the original plan was to remove the damaged on-ramp bridge back in January but they chose to push it back because of the chance of extended I-10 closures.

Cut 8 (10) “minimize delays”

Mallet says a large piece of machinery will be used to remove the bridge, so it can be renovated.

Cut 9 (08)  “early June”

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Out of four judicial races in Louisiana this year, every candidate running in the March 25 election is a woman. A Newcomb College Institute of Tulane University study, authored by Sally Kenney, finds even though the Bayou State ranks fairly low when it comes to women in the legislature…

Cut 10 (08) “the state”

The study finds that in 2016, 31-percent of judges in the Louisiana were women, up from 27-percent in 2011. Kenney says in three out of the four races, a female candidate will replace a male. She says the numbers look good in the state as a whole, but that masks the lack of female leadership outside of East Baton Rouge and Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “parishes”

Allison Penzato was elected during qualifying to the 1^st Circuit Court of Appeals and the other seats on the ballot are the 3^rd and 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Civil District Court in New Orleans. Kenney says seeing more women run for these positions and winning is a great motivator to get other females interested in filling these seats.

Cut 12 (10) “in Louisiana”

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The author of the stripper age requirement bill says he plans to present a similar version in the upcoming legislative session. The law was recently blocked by a federal judge in New Orleans for being unconstitutional as written. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling was clear about what language violated the constitution.

Cut 13 (09) “too important”

Johns says he plans to alter the language in the bill so that it’s legal, but keep the intent of requiring strippers to be at least 21-years-old. He’s confident they can find a legal way to accomplish this because other laws impose age restrictions.

Cut 14 (09) “at age 21″ 2x

The bill was originally presented as a means of curbing human trafficking in the state. Johns says many victims who are brought into Louisiana end up working in strip clubs. He says anyone who think this type of modern day slavery doesn’t happen in our state is sadly mistaken.

Cut 15 (09) “thing to do”

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Spring football kicks off this weekend for the LSU Tigers. It’s the first spring practice for new head coach Ed Orgeron, who declared there will be an open competition at starting quarterback. David Ching covers the Tigers for espn.com and says Danny Etling is the clear favorite to be the starter, but it doesn’t hurt to make him fight for the job…

Cut 16 (14) “for the job”

Who will Etling throw the football to next season is a big question for the Tigers? LSU’s top two receivers from last season are headed to the NFL, Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Ching says there are some young wide outs on the Tigers roster, but they are unproven…

Cut 17 (13)  “a year ago”

LSU’s top pass rusher, Arden Key, will not participate in spring practice as he’s away from the football team for undisclosed reasons. Ching says developing additional other pass rushers will be a priority during spring football…

Cut 18 (14) “deserve it”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (10) “financial stability”

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

cut 4  (07) “create savings”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “to attend”

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

Cut 6 (08) “credit card”

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

CUT 7 (09)  “payments”

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

Cut 8 (10) “14695”

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

Cut 9 (05)  “restaurant industry”

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

Cut 10 (08) “tax credits”

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

cut 11 (10) “standpoint”

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

cut 12 (13) “position of strength”

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

Cut 13 (10) “Baton Rouge facility” 

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

cut 14 (10) “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 4  (12) “rolling back regulations”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “those investments”

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

Cut 6 (09) “for Louisiana”

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

Cut 7 (06)  “other states”

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

Cut 8 (12) “that’s needed”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “number decrease”

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

Cut 10 (10) “physically active”

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

Cut 11 (11) “things like that”

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

Cut 12 (10) “one job”

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

Cut 13 (07) “to do these”

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

Cut 14 (10) “these projects”

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

Cut 15 (11) “three years”

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

Cut 16 (17) “offense”

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

Cut 17 (15)  “awful lot”

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

Cut 18 (20) “possibility”

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

Cut 19 (14)   “gets done”

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

Cut 20 (19)   “open market”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (10) “something wrong”

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

cut 4  (05) “justified shooting”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “every case”

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

Cut 6 (09) “funding formula”

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

CUT 7 (10)  “serious concern”

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

Cut 8 (10) “year after year”

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

Cut 9 (07)  “basketball”

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

Cut 10 (11) “program’s reputation”

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

cut 11 (08) “head coaches”

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

cut 12 (07) “vague”

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

Cut 13 (09) “from dancing” 

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

cut 14 (11) “broad”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 4  (11) “church based help”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “us everyday”

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

Cut 6 (09) “back together”

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

Cut 7 (07)  “for that”

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

Cut 8 (09) “been using”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “as possible”

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

Cut 10 (10) “other lives”

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

Cut 11 (09) “make it happen”

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

Cut 12 (07) “to stop”

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

Cut 13 (09) “20-percent”

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

Cut 14 (11) “4-thousand dollars”

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

Cut 15 (09) “catching up on”

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

Cut 16 (16) “concentration on”

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

Cut 17 (09)  “do that”

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

Cut 18 (19) “working toward that”

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

Cut 19 (20)   “semifinals”

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

Cut 20 (13)   “Little Rock”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (10) “new monuments”

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

cut 4  (12) “unique”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “the job”

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

Cut 6 (10) “public spots”

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

CUT 7 (10)  “the 4-year-old”

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

Cut 8 (10) “engulfed in flames”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “crews”

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

Cut 10 (12) “looking good”

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

cut 11 (10) “known for”

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

cut 12 (12) “Tommie Robinson”

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

Cut 13 (08) “in leasing” 

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

cut 14 (10) “administration”

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

Cut 15 (10) “obligations are” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 3 (34) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 4  (10) “United States”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 6 (08) “point here”

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

Cut 7 (12)  “understand that”

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

Cut 8 (08) “domino effect”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “and whatnot”

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

Cut 10 (12) “massive fire”

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

Cut 11 (10) “and the aircraft”

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

Cut 12 (12) “of the state”

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

Cut 13 (10) “was revoked”

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

Cut 14 (10) “August flood”

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

Cut 15 (10) “responsible”

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

Cut 16 (11) “offensive club”

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

Cut 17 (18)  “to hit”

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

Cut 18 (13) “of it”

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

Cut 19 (12)   “anyway”

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

Cut 20 (07)   “bit longer”