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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (12) “so much”

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

cut 4  (09) “of Louisiana”

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

Cut 5  (09)  “will be considered”

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

Cut 6 (10) “sex with”

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

CUT 7 (08)  “a crime” 

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

Cut 8 (07) “specifically”  

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

Cut 9 (09)  “the infant’s brain”

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

Cut 10 (07) “homicide”

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

cut 11 (08) “difficulty breathing”

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

cut 12 (09) “who’s an artist”

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

Cut 13 (06) “really lot of people“

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

cut 14 (09) “trout baquet”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

cut 4  (12) “special session”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “million dollar deficit”

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

Cut 6 (09) “some aren’t”

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

CUT 7 (08)  “in America”‘

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

Cut 8 (10) “among us”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “or unborn”

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

Cut 10 (11) “U-Haul trucks”

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

cut 11 (10) “bringing in items”

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

cut 12 (08) “last year”

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

Cut 13 (10) “from Mexico”

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

cut 14 (07) “natural gas here”

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

Cut 15 (08) “by two-thirds”

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

Cut 16 (17) “strain on em”

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

Cut 17 (14)   “in January”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (08) “are off”

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

cut 4  (11) “and coaches”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “will do”

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

Cut 6 (12) “heard of”

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

CUT 7 (11)  “leaves behind” 

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

Cut 8 (12) “better place”

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

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

Cut 9 (10)  “real world”

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

Cut 10 (10) “the goal”

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

cut 11 (12) “transportation”

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

cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 13 (10) “a fish“

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

cut 14 (11) “safety program”

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

Cut 15 (12) “or both”

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

Cut 16  (10)  “drinking water”

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

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

cut 4  (09) “program design”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “the classroom”

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

Cut 6 (08) “preparation programs”

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

CUT 7 (09)  “so far”‘

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

Cut 8 (07) “go home”

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

Cut 9 (06)  “behind him”

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

Cut 10 (10) “would be impacted”

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

cut 11 (09) “of Louisiana”

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

cut 12 (11) “special session”

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

Cut 13 (07) “last year”

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

cut 14 (11) “that need it”

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

Cut 15 (05) “white female”

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

Cut 16 (08) “her death”

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

Cut 17 (12)   “quickly”

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

Cut 18 (14) “as well”

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

Cut 19 (15)   “on the court”

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

cut 20 (20)   “good shape”

With 22-percent of Louisiana adults currently smoking, the American Lung Association believes the state has a lot of work to do when it comes to tobacco prevention. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The story about a 3-year-old Brazilian girl who had a large, rare tumor removed from her face by doctors in Shreveport is making national headlines. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report finds Louisiana is failing in efforts to reduce tobacco use. An estimated 22-percent of Louisiana adults smoke. Regional Policy Director Ashley Lyerly (Liar-lee) says the report assigned F letter grades in the areas like tobacco taxes and access to cessation programs.

Cut 3 (10) “tobacco use”

The report gave another F to the state when it comes to funding for prevention programs. Lyerly says Louisiana should be spending about 60 million dollars on tobacco prevention each year but total funding for this fiscal year is only 8 million dollars. She says the state also received an F grade when it comes to tobacco taxes, even though it recently increased to $1.08.

cut 4  (10) “grade F”

Louisiana received a B grade for the strength of smoke-free workplace laws. But Lyerly says they recommend the state increase the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products.

Cut 5  (10)  “of F”

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Louisiana isn’t seeing as many flu cases as we usually do this time of year. That’s according to the state’s flu bug expert, Dr. Frank Welch, who says right now, 4 out of every 100 doctor visits in the state is for the flu. He says there’s several reasons we’re seeing a slower flu season this year.

Cut 6 (11) “slow season”

Welch says while the Deep South has seen few cases, other states are seeing an uptick. But he says we aren’t out of the woods yet. He anticipates cases will pick up, once the weather gets colder, which will happen this weekend.

CUT 7 (12)  “flu season” 

Welch advises everyone to get their flu shots to avoid getting the flu and to avoid spreading it to others. He says there are plenty of ways for people to stay well this flu season.

Cut 8 (11) “that properly”

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance announces they recovered $7.6 million for policy holders last year as a result of efforts by their consumer affairs division who work to resolve consumer complaints. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says that money is in addition to what companies offered to pay customers, and it’s a significant increase over the previous year.

Cut 9 (10)  “the past year”

Donelon credits the increase in recovered funds for consumers to a reorganizing within the insurance department two years ago. He says they moved all of the people who handle consumer complaints into the same section, as opposed to dividing them up between health, life and annuities, property, etc.

Cut 10 (12) “additional recovery”

Donelon says it’s the state’s responsibility to make sure insurance companies fulfill the promises they make to their policyholders. He says they’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that Louisiana customers are treated fairly, including yanking a license or taking punitive action against an insurance provider.

cut 11 (09) “insurance company”

Policyholders can file complaints at 1-800-259-5300 or online at ldi.la.gov/fileacomplaint.

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The story about a 3-year-old Brazilian girl who had a large, rare tumor removed from her face by doctors in Shreveport is making national headlines. It all started when Dr. Celso Palmieri at LSU Health Shreveport was reading an online publication from his home country. He says he ran across a Brazlian article about little Melyssa Delgado Braga

cut 12 (09) “could help Melyssa”

Palmieri says he found the family on Facebook after only an hour of searching and was able to contact them. Dr. G.E. Ghali is the chair of the Department of oral and facial surgery at the hospital. He diagnosed Melyssa with a benign tumor that is locally very aggressive…:

Cut 13 (09) “her entire jaw“

They say several organizations, doctors and the community came together to help the family get here. While Melyssa will still require some follow up surgeries as she gets older, doctors say she now has full use of her tongue unlike before. Dr. Ghali says she had been well on her way to becoming a malnourished child because of the tumor…:

cut 14 (09) “over five pounds”

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Louisiana has issued a standing order to make naloxone available without a prescription. Naloxone is an antidote that reverses an opioid overdose. Chief Medical Officer for Louisiana Medicaid, Dr. SreyRam Kuy, (Sray-rum- Kuh-ee) says the standing order is a way to reduce unnecessary deaths…

Cut 15 (10) “deep south”

Kuy says the naloxone drug can be injected into muscle or administered through the nose. She says the best part about receiving the drug over the counter is that anyone can administer the drug to someone suffering from an overdose, not just a medical practitioner.

Cut 16  (07)  “police officer”

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The governor’s office will propose a 304-million dollar budget deficit reduction plan to  legislators this week. Jeff Palermo spoke with two republican lawmakers about the state’s budget troubles…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans officials propose a plan to reduce crime in the French Quarter, but will it work? Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Edwards administration will unveil a proposal on Friday on how to close a 304-million dollar budget deficit for this fiscal year. Lawmakers are split on whether or not to tap into the state’s rainy day fund to close the gap. Lake Charles Representative Mark Abraham sits on the Appropriations Committee and says he’s still not sure if that’s the way to go.

Cut 3 (12) “rainy day fund”

Some legislators are even debating whether or not another special session next month will be necessary. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris proposed a plan to cut the budget without a special session. Abraham says the governor could make the cuts needed to avoid another session, but without the session, they might be more devastating.

cut 4  (08) “those cuts”

Oil City Representative Jim Morris is not in favor of using the rainy day fund to ease some of the cuts to state agencies. He says you can’t spend money you don’t have, which many in the legislature constantly want to do.

Cut 5  (09)  “that’s going to work”

While there isn’t much of an appetite at the Capitol to raise more taxes, one option would be to broaden the base of the clean penny that was added to the sales tax last year. Morris says that might work, but he doesn’t want to put a bigger burden on taxpayers.

Cut 6 (12) “to consider it”

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New Orleans officials have announced a plan to reduce crime in the French Quarter, but some are skeptical the $40 million proposal will be effective. Crime analyst and New Orleans native Jeff Asher is particularly uncertain of the new regulation that will require bars on Bourbon Street to close their doors at 3 a.m. He says last year, only 20-percent of shootings in that area occurred between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.

CUT 7 (11)  “of crime” 

One proposal would establish a new mobile booking unit for NOPD to use during big events. Asher says improving response time would be one way to reduce crime. But he says this mobile unit would only be effective in one part of town on some occasions.

Cut 8 (12) “citywide problem”

Another part of the plan is to put up over 200 cameras in the Quarter and other neighborhoods, as well as setting up a 24-hour command center to monitor them. Asher says the cameras could be effective, but it all comes down to law enforcement’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Cut 9 (11)  “about it”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a 28-year-old Covington man is dead, after he lit his home on fire while in a drunken fight with his father. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says the man’s father, twin brother and step mother, went out drinking and when they returned home, things got physical.

Cut 10 (10) “the home”

Thompson says alcohol is believed to have played a factor in this fire and toxicology samples have been taken. He says Kellum’s father, 55-year-old Jamie Kellum, was critically injured with burns to 85-percent of his body.

cut 11 (10) “his body”

Thompson says during the verbal confrontation between Jamie and Brandon Kellum, his step mother and twin brother went outside. But he says Michael Kellum rushed back in the house when he heard a physical fight breaking out.

cut 12 (11) “into flames” 

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Former Angola Warden Burl Cain has responded to claims in a state legislative auditor’s report that said he may have illegally used public funds for personal reasons. One of the accusations is that prison workers performed work on his private home, while getting paid by the state. Cain says it’s not his job for them to fill out their time sheets properly…

Cut 13 (09) “after your work day“

The audit finds state employees worked for Cain, while they were still on the clock. But Cain says, at times, prison employees volunteered to help out at his home, but not while they were working..:

cut 14 (10) “took leave”

Cain’s comments were made during a live interview on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge. The state audit also says taxpayers picked up the tab for more than $27,000 in appliances and flat screen TVs at Cain’s residence on prison grounds. Cain says what the report doesn’t point out is how much of his personal money he spent on the public house…:

Cut 15 (09) “out of my pocket”

A state audit alleges that former-Angola Warden Burl Cain misused public funds while he was employed at the prison. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says state’s should have the right to keep the Affordable Care Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An audit accuses former-Angola warden Burl Cain of improperly using state funds during his tenure at the helm of the state’s largest prison. State legislative auditor Daryl Purpera says several state employees helped renovate Cain’s private home in Baton Rouge while on the clock, including Angola’s maintenance director Tim Byrd.

Cut 3 (10) “21 days”

Purpera says Cain also used prison equipment and labor to refinish the gates at his Baton Rouge home. He says Byrd made the 100 mile round trip twice to bring the large iron gates to the prison.

cut 4  (08) “public dollar”

Purpera says in addition to free labor, Cain also used state dollars to furnish his home on the prison grounds. He says taxpayers picked up the tab for more than $27-thousand in appliances and flat screen TVs. He says the former-warden also provided free food and housing for his family.

Cut 5  (11)  “prison grounds”

Cain’s lawyer, L.J, Hymel, has responded to audit by saying many of the report’s findings of fact and legal conclusions are in error. Purpera says he has given the audit’s findings to the US Attorney’s Office and the local District Attorney’s Office.

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Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy presented a health care plan this morning on Capitol Hill that would give states the ability to decide if they want to keep Obamacare. Cassidy says Republicans believe that if you like your health insurance, than you should keep it

Cut 6 (10) “by Washington D.C.”

Millions of people are concerned that if Congress repeals Obamacare, they’ll lose their insurance. Cassidy says by giving states the power to decide on a health care system, his Patient Freedom Act will have a chance to pass the Senate…

CUT 7 (10)  “get us to 60” 

Maine Senator Susan Collins is a co-author of the Patient Freedom Act. Cassidy says not only does this legislation return power to the states, it will also increase access and provide affordable health care for states who want a different health care system…

Cut 8 (11) “if you like”

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Crews are dealing with clean up in several parishes after at least five tornadoes touched down in Louisiana on Saturday. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says a twister hit near Colfax that left a wake of destruction, damaging 5 homes and injuring one person.

Cut 9 (07)  “were in it”

McCain says one woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries when the trailer overturned. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado near Colfax had wind speeds up to 105 mph. A second tornado hit the parish near Georgetown, with winds reaching 100 mph.

Northwest Louisiana also saw a desctructive twister. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says a tornado with 115 mph winds made a 6 mile trek near Plain Dealing. He says about 29 homes were damaged, including three that were a total loss and seven that sustained extensive damage.

Cut 10 (09) “after all that”

Davis says after the twister hit, not only were people dealing with damage to their homes, but first responder crews had to fight downed trees and power lines to get in and help people. He says the community came together to clear roadways, and they’re doing what they can to help those who lost everything.

cut 11 (08) “their lives”

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An ROTC teacher at Mandeville High is under arrest amid allegations he had sex multiple times with two different students on campus. Mandeville Police Cheif Gerald Sticker says 48-year-old Hosea McGhee is charged with computer solicitation of a minor and felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He says the victims are ages 15 and 16:

cut 12 (10) “sexual acts” 

Although the investigation is continuing, the chief doesn’t think there are additional victims. Sticker says they believe the acts were carried out on school grounds for quite some time…:

Cut 13 (06) “ongoing“

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A new custom-blend coffee, called the Ragin’ Cajuns French Roast Coffee was introduced to the public today. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette partnered with the Mello Joy Coffee Company to develop this dark roast blend. Assistant Director of Trademark Licensing at ULL, Leslie Saloom, says the coffee has a little sweetness and a chocolate flavor.

cut 14 (10) “the shelf”

Saloom says the Ragin’ Cajuns French Roast is exclusively available at Rouses at the Lafayette, Youngsville and Morgan City locations, as well as, at the bookstore on the university’s campus. She says officials from ULL and Mello Joy teamed up to determine which blend of Arabica beans would taste the best.

Cut 15 (09) “to go”

Saloom says the new French Roast joins other consumable products developed by the university that includes beer, seasoning and a Ragin Cajun burger available at Sonic.

Cut 16  (10)  “for us”

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The state is sending a plan to the federal government on how they propose to spend one-point-two billion dollars in flood aid. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Homelessness is down 68-percent in Louisiana over the past seven years based on an estimate from the federal government. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Frustration over the lack of reliable high-speed internet in the DeRidder area has led to a petition that will ask the Public Service Commission to help out. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Restore Louisiana Task Force approves a proposal for how to spend $1.2 billion in federal flood aid allocated by Congress. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, says 938-million dollars will go towards rebuilding and repairing flooded homes.

cut 4  (08) “flood plain”

This state plan must get approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Louisiana is also awaiting HUD’s approval on a 438-million dollar package that will assist the elderly and disabled. Payer says they hope these federal dollars will get in the hands of flood victims by March or April.

Cut 5  (11)  “as possible”

Payer says once the federal government approves the state’s plan on spending the 1.6 billion dollars in federal aid, they will pick a private company to set up the application process. She says the website Restore.La.Gov will provide information as it becomes available on how flood victims can take advantage of this assistance.

Cut 6 (12) “their homes”

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Homelessness in Louisiana is down 68-percent over the last seven years. That’s according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s yearly Point-in-Time count. Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Keith Cunningham credits this decrease to hard work by his agency to help individuals living on the street….

CUT 7 (11)  “of society”‘

The count showed there was just below four-thousand homeless people in the state in 2016, down from 12,500 in 2009. Cunningham says this decrease surpassed expectations. He credits the state for making homelessness more of a priority.

Cut 8 (10) “it done”

One program used to combat homelessness is the Continuum of Care, which funds a rapid re-housing project. Cunningham says drug abuse and mental illness are some factors that play into homelessness. He says last August’s devastating floods could also become a problem, as many victims are stilling living in hotels or with family members.

Cut 9 (09)  “them before”

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Today marks the start of tax season, as Louisiana residents can begin filing federal and state income taxes. Baton Rouge CPA Brandon Lagarde says if you plan to use a tax preparer to file your taxes, make sure you have all your documentation together and organized.

Cut 10 (08) “the process”

Federal returns are due April 18th this year, while state taxes must be filed by May 15th. Lagarde says refunds might take a little longer this year. He says measures to prevent identity theft have been enacted at the state and federal levels, and this red tape can lead to delays.

cut 11 (07) “get refunds”

Lagarde says filing taxes will be a little different this year for many Louisiana residents who were affected by the March and August floods. He says flood victims can claim their casualty losses.

cut 12 (11) “give you that”

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Residents in the greater DeRidder area are making a push to get high speed internet in the rural Beauregard Parish town. Beatrice Teague started a petition because she and her neighbors are unable to get broadband connections in their homes. She says they have to use satellite internet, which is expensive and unreliable.

Cut 13 (10) “your kids”

Teague says the internet in her home is down more days than not. She plans to present the petition to the Public Service Commission to see what can be done to resolve the issue. She says there are lines in place to provide high speed internet to her area, but the companies who own them are not willing to upgrade them.

cut 14 (11) “their turf”

Teague says the petition received more than 500 signatures in the first 24 hours alone, and she’s hoping to reach 750 before she brings it before the PSC. She says she’s constantly getting calls from people who want to be added to the petition.

Cut 15 (11) “our support”

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Louisiana is looking at a stormy weather today and tomorrow. Emelie Gunn has more on what we can expect…

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Former President Barack Obama communed the sentences of 330 federal inmates, with 23 of those in Louisiana. Michelle Southern has more…

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A shooting in Jefferson Parish has left an off-duty Westwego police officer and woman dead. Sheriff Newell Normand says 26-year-old Officer Michael Louviere was assisting a woman with an apparent car accident in Marrero Friday morning. He says that’s when a suspect fatally shot the woman and Louviere. Normand says they believe the woman had a relationship with the suspect, 32-year-old Sylvester Holt.

Cut 3 (07) “several women”

There’s a heavy police presence at Crescent City Connection Bridge as a man is threatening to jump. That man is believed to be Holt. Normand says this is a tough time for the city of Westwego.

cut 4  (09) “our community”

Louviere leaves behind a wife and two children and recently celebrated a birthday. Normand also says the officer graduated in the top of his academy class. He says these tragic incidents are the things officers worry when they go to bed at night.

Cut 5  (09)  “worry about”

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Louisiana is looking at a wet and stormy weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center predicts a majority of Louisiana could see damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes today and tomorrow.

Cut 6 (09) “thunderstorms”

Keim says this system will create incredibly unstable conditions, as air moves up very rapidly from the surface, which could produce large hail stones.

CUT 7 (09)  “can get” 

Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the state, including Alexandria, Lafayette and all of southeast Louisiana under an enhanced risk for severe weather for tonight and tomorrow…

Cut 8 (09) “as well”

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Hundreds of thousands of women are expected to gather in the nation’s capital one day after President Trump’s inauguration for the Women’s March on Washington. Alyssa Leader of West Monroe is one of those who will be in attendance. She says they hope to deliver a clear message to the new administration.

Cut 9 (09)  “or immigrants”

Leader says all of the men and women participating in the march are doing so for different reasons. She says some people are concerned about their immigration status, while others worry about losing their healthcare. She says as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, for her, this is personal.

Cut 10 (12) “against women”

The march begins at 10 a.m. near the Capitol and ends at 5 p.m. Leader says she’s looking forward to this opportunity to stand in solidarity with women and men from around the country. She says there are also marches scheduled in Baton Rouge and New Orleans…

cut 11 (09) “come together”

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In his last days in office, former President Barack Obama approved sentence reductions for 330 federal inmates, 23 of those are from Louisiana. LSU New Orleans Public Health Criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf says these commutations were mostly drug related….

cut 12 (08) “drug offenses” 

Three individuals had life sentences cut, like Benjamin Blount of Oakdale and Eric German of Haughton. LSU New Orleans Public Health Criminologist Doctor Peter Scharf says the president has the constitutional right to commune sentences, but he should explain why these individuals deserve shorter sentences

Cut 13 (07) “of justice”

Scharf says there has been a nationwide push to stop issuing life sentences for non-violent drug offenses. He says while Obama supports criminal justice reform, he still needs to go public with an explanation.

cut 14 (11) “selection principle”

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West Monroe Police say a pizza delivery driver will not be charged after he fatally shot one of two men who attempted to steal his car. Detective Ray Spoon says two suspects ordered a pizza to be delivered to an abandoned house, robbed the delivery driver, and attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle.

Cut 15 (12) “on foot”

Spoon says the crooks were unable to steal the delivery driver’s vehicle because it was a standard. He says the investigation is ongoing, as police are still searching for the second suspect. He says unfortunately, police see cases like this too often.

Cut 16  (06)  “or not”

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Newly elected Acadiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s humbled and uplifted to be in attendance for the swearing in of Donald Trump as the nation’s 45^thPresident. Jeff Palermo has more…

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West Monroe High School’s Rebel Band will represent the Bayou State in the historic 58^th inaugural parade. Halen Doughty has more…

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One of the state’s top Democrats, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu shares his feelings on the future of the Trump administration. Emelie Gunn has more…

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Congressman Clay Higgins of Louisiana’s 3^rd Congressional District is looking forward to the changes that will come under the new administration. He says his team has been hard at work in Washington, and the freshman Representative says he’s already learned a lot. He says in many ways, the nation’s capital is exactly what he expected.

cut 4  (11) “in America, man”

Higgins says Congress has been meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence throughout the transition, and he was encouraged by those conversations. He says voters sent a clear message last November and now it’s time to deliver.

Cut 5  (12)  “a better day”

Higgins sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee, and Science and Space Technology Committee. He says improving infrastructure in his district will be a top priority including fighting for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. But he says he’s also concerned about taking care of our veterans.

Cut 6 (11) “our veterans”

Higgins says he’s been hard at work since day one, even sleeping on an air mattress in his office. 

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The West Monroe High School Rebel Band gets the prestigious honor of performing in the inaugural parade at the nation’s capital today. Band director Robert Freeman says roughly 200 band members will entertain parade goers with a clever arrangement of “You Are My Sunshine,” “Jambalaya,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

CUT 7 (08)  “from Louisiana”‘

Freeman says they learned a month ago that they would play in the inaugural parade, and they didn’t have much time to prepare or raise the $240-thousand necessary for the trip. He says students were asked to pay $600 each, and they had to do a lot of fundraising in a short amount of time to pay for the trip.

Cut 8 (10) “extraordinarily special”

Freeman says this trip is much different from the last time the Rebel Band performed at a presidential inauguration in 2005. He says not only is the weather warmer this go round, the political atmosphere is also much hotter. But he says he’s proud that the band and members of the West Monroe community were able to rise above the fray.

Cut 9 (08)  “58th inaugural”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is considered one of the leading Democrats in the state and he weighs in on his feelings about the Trump administration. Landrieu says both Republicans and Democrats like President Trump’s proposal to invest one trillion dollars on infrastructure.

Cut 10 (11) “we like”

But Landrieu says bi-partisan leaders are concerned about the immediate repeal of Obamacare without a replacement. He says while there are some issues with the Affordable Care Act, like increased premiums, they need to be fixed rather than a full repeal.

cut 11 (08) “for mayors”

Many citizens have voiced how nervous they are about a Trump presidency. Landrieu says no matter what, Trump is now the president but America is stronger than any one person.

cut 12 (09) “time”

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Republican State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria has proposed a plan to cut the state’s budget without calling another special session, but the tentative plan is already getting pushback from Democrats. Harris’ plan does not call for cuts to public colleges, but it would levy a $147 million cut to the state Department of Health.

Cut 13 (10) “14 years”

Harris’ plan would also not tap into the rainy day fund. Other proposed cuts include $28 million to K-12 education, $15 million to prisons, and $37 million to capital outlay. But Harris doesn’t think any of these cuts would be too devastating.

cut 14 (09) “have the money”

Harris adds that it doesn’t make sense to spend taxpayer dollars on a special session when the governor can make all of these proposed cuts without legislative approval.

But Democratic Representative Gene Reynolds of Minden says public schools and hospitals can’t handle these cuts in the middle of the year. He says there has to be a better way to address the state’s budget problems.

Cut 15 (07) “better option”

Reynolds says while he applauds Harris for stepping up and making suggestions, this plan just isn’t feasible. He says some of the proposed cuts are matched with federal funds. He says if the state doesn’t put up their share, we won’t get those federal dollars either.

Cut 16 (08) “we have”

Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement about the plan, saying the recommendations are vague, and blindly slashing programs and statutory dedications could be devastating to these agencies.