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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (10) “inappropriate comment”

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

cut 4  (12) “thought they were”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “go buy lattes”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (08) “terrorist threats”

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

CUT 7 (11)  “Muslim American citizens”

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

Cut 8 (10) “law abiding citizen”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “pure and simple”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (10) “very guarded”

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

cut 11 (10) “coming home”

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

cut 12 (07) “and again”

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

Cut 13 (08) “actually happens” 

_________________________________________________________

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

cut 14 (09) “from their tap”

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

Cut 15 (10) “the governor”

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

Cut 16  (10)  “going on”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 4  (12) “bossier area”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “these industries”

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

Cut 6 (11) “are graduating”

______________________________________

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

Cut 7 (10)  “500 million dollars”

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

Cut 8 (09) “industries”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “of dollars”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (10) “short term decision”

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

Cut 11 (09) “energy efficient”

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

Cut 12 (10) “one of them”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”

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

Cut 14 (09) “their team”

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

Cut 15 (12) “until they leave”

______________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (20) “for us”

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

Cut 17 (20)  “today”

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

Cut 18 (15) “next Sunday”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (09) “suspended”

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

cut 4  (08) “about it”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “those kinds of things”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

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

CUT 7 (10)  “other classes”

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

Cut 8 (06) “curriculum “

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (12)  “in Europe”

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

Cut 10 (08) “NATO allies”

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

cut 11 (11) “this mission”

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

_________________________________________________________

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

cut 12 (06) “for them”

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

Cut 13 (10) “their development” 

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

cut 14 (09) “trashcans”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 4  (09) “to speak”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “supporting America”

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

Cut 6 (04) “about unity”

______________________________________

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

Cut 7 (11)  “general fund”

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

Cut 8 (08) “no charge”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “timely manner”

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

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (10) “as well”

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

Cut 11 (09) “hot blooded”

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

Cut 12 (06) “s well”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (08) “a fact”

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

Cut 14 (08) “of dollars”

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

Cut 15 (10) “accepting vouchers”

______________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (20) “ball clubs”

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

Cut 17 (20)  “to LSU”

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

Cut 18 (16) “like that”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (06) “pickup truck”

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

cut 4  (03) “high school”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 5  (08)  “result of that”

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

Cut 6 (06) “2nd degree murder”

_________________________________________________________

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

CUT 7 (06)  “her own”

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

Cut 8 (10) “CSPAN”

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

Cut 9 (03)  “seriously”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “mentally incompetent”

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

cut 11 (08) “understand it”

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

cut 12 (12) “gun rights”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (09) “with that” 

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

cut 14 (09) “in Louisiana”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 4  (10) “disorder issues”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “cost efficient care”

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

Cut 6 (10) “electronically”

______________________________________

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

Cut 7 (08)  “offenses”

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

Cut 8 (07) “overall approach”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “a gamble”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “any better”

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

Cut 11 (11) “him fishing”

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

Cut 12 (09) “for Louisiana”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “life imprisonment”

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

Cut 14 (09) “different positions”

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

Cut 15 (08) “him on that”

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

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (12) “sitting in the car”

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

cut 4  (11) “to the ground”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “this today”

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

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (10) “picture”

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

CUT 7 (11)  “that bar”

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

Cut 8 (09) “America first”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “last night”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (07) “the shooting”

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

cut 11 (09) “becomes available”

_________________________________________________________

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

cut 12 (11) “later confirmed”

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

Cut 13 (10) “to go inside” 

________________________________________________________

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

cut 14 (09) “we’re encouraged”

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

Cut 15 (09) “be welcome”

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

Cut 16  (09)  “white schools”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 4  (10) “first time buyers”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “in the area”

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

Cut 6 (09) “as well”

______________________________________

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

Cut 7 (09)  “crawfish season”

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

Cut 8 (09) “a way”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “as well”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (09) “management people”

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

Cut 11 (11) “at all”

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

Cut 12 (08) “state police”

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

Cut 13 (09) “moving forward”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 14 (09) “this product”

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

Cut 15 (08) “burying them”

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

Cut 16 (08) “of regiments”

______________________________________________________

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

Cut 17 (15)  “what happens”

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

Cut 18 (15) “starts clicking”

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

Cut 19 (19)   “of time”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (07) “Obamacare”

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

cut 4  (11) “cost savings”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “will go”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 6 (10) “of year”

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

CUT 7 (08)  “below normal”

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

Cut 8 (08) “of this guy”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (10)  “32”

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

Cut 10 (09) “ranks 44”

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

cut 11 (11) “wellness visits”

_________________________________________________________

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

cut 12 (11) “judgement”

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

Cut 13 (10) “address that” 

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

cut 14 (10) “these days”

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 15 (11) “his life”

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

Cut 16  (07)  “is significant”

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

________________________________________________________

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

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

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

Cut 4  (11) “community participation”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “their prayers”

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

Cut 6 (07) “day’s end”

______________________________________

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

Cut 7 (11)  “take place”

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

Cut 8 (10) “do so”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “do something”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 10 (09) “as well”

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

Cut 11 (10) “the market”

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

Cut 12 (09) “two days”

_________________________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (10) “higher numbers”

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

Cut 14 (10) “city’s population”

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

Cut 15 (07) “to add up”

______________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (20) “on the track”

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

Cut 17 (19)  “quarterback play”

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

Cut 18 (17) “at LSU”