The State Department of Health predicts the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse. Michellle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As federal lawmakers devise a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, US Senator John Kennedy says he will vote for any plan that’s better than Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Department of Health confirms 12 mumps cases, and a state health official predicts this developing outbreak will only get worse before it gets better. Medical director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says mumps has a long incubation period, which means it can be two to three weeks after someone is exposed before they show symptoms.

Cut 3 (09) “lag time”

The first cluster of cases has been identified on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The university is taking extra precautions to prevent the spread among students and faculty. Welch says you can protect yourself by receiving two doses of the mumps vaccine and know the symptoms of mumps.

cut 4  (08) “both sides”

Welch says if you see anyone exhibiting those symptoms, tell them to self-isolate and avoid other people. He says following these precautions will slow the mumps outbreak. He says with this being St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there’s a concern the disease will spread.

Cut 5  (11)  “through saliva”

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US Senator John Kennedy says there are problems with the House Republican’s plan to overhaul the nation’s health care law, but he’s confident it will be improved as it moves through the legislative process. Kennedy likes that the House bill is not as generous with tax credits as Obamacare, but it’s not ungenerous either.

Cut 6 (10) “to buy insurance”

Giving states more flexibility with how they operate Medicaid is one of the changes Kennedy would like to see with the GOP health care plan. He also wants to see more healthcare assistance for those that need it.

CUT 7 (08)  “the help”

Opponents of the proposal say more people will become uninsured. But Kennedy says that’s because their plan repeals the individual and employer mandates. He says at least some people will decide not to purchase insurance and give up their coverage.

Cut 8 (08) “the American way”

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A Washington Parish man is behind bars after police say he shot and killed five abandoned puppies in February. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office says a concerned citizen contacted the Humane Society after seeing the abandoned puppies on the side of the road.

Cut 9 (10)  “they were dead”

Haley says they launched an investigation, and a tip led them to 25-year-old Shawn Glen Jones of Angie. He says initially, Jones denied knowing anything about the puppies, but as the questioning continued, the truth eventually came out.

Cut 10 (09) “at the location”

Haley says Jones still denied shooting the puppies, until detectives learned he had obtained a .22 caliber rifle just before the shooting. He says the suspect did not have the weapon with him when he dropped off the puppies, but…

cut 11 (08) “the puppies”

Jones is booked on five counts of cruelty to animals, and he’s being held in the Washington Parish Jail on a $15,000 bond.

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There have been three arrests made in the case of a noose that was found hanging at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Major Eddie Thibodeaux says detectives began investigating the incident on March 7^th. He says two juveniles and one 18-year-old, Judah Barber of Opelousas have been charged with…

cut 12 (06) “to intimidate”

The incident began after three black boys and three white boys were arguing on the baseball field. Thibodeaux says even though hanging the noose was meant as a joke, it is humiliating and hateful.

Cut 13 (06) “lives”

Thibodeaux says one of the juveniles involved performed well in school but made a very bad decision when participating in hanging the noose.

cut 14 (10) “his life”

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The governor’s recommendations on criminal justice reform are now in the hands of lawmakers. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Greater Ouachita Water Company is looking for a buyer. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Proposals to raise the state’s gasoline tax is getting pushback from the conservative political advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Now that the governor has released his plan for how he’d like to see criminal justice reformed in Louisiana, the recommendations are now in the hands of lawmakers. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger is a member of the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force. He hopes the legislature realizes that this plan is one that actually fights crime…:

Cut 4  (10) “across the board”

Leger says it’s the legislature’s responsibility to file as many bills as necessary that would tackle the recommendations made by the task force. He says, ultimately, lawmakers are the ones who decide what becomes state law, and it’s time for a change in what’s been the norm…:

Cut 5  (10)  “this point”

Leger says in 1965, Louisiana ranked 13th in incarceration, then in 2005 became the incarceration leader of the nation. He says legislation will be offered that will get the state where it needs to be in terms of prison population…:

Cut 6 (10) “deserve”

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Greater Ouachita Water Company is looking for a buyer. Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Scotty Robinson says GOWC’s roughly 25-thousand customers have been dealing with discolored water and billing errors for years. He says OPPJ has a say in who the buyer will be because they have a member on the water company’s executive board.

Cut 7 (10)  “police jury”

Robinson says customers have had billing errors because the meter readers, Severn Trent Services, would bill customers for the minimum usage monthly without reading the meter, and customers would later get a year’s worth of bills for their actual usage all at once. But he says the quality of the water is sometimes worse than the cost.

Cut 8 (12) “slimy stuff”

Robinson says Ouachita parish residents have been receptive to the idea of selling GOWC to another company. After years of dealing with these issues, he believes many would welcome a change. He says in a buyer, they’re looking for a company that’s good for the citizens and good for the parish.

Cut 9 (12)  “Ouachita Parish”

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A Tulane study finds cancer patients are more likely to receive palliative (pay-lee-ay-tive) care after learning more about it. Researcher Michael Hoerger (Her-ger) authored the study and says there are a lot of misconceptions about palliative care. He says the purpose of this study is to dispel some of the rumors.

Cut 10 (09) “serious illness”

Hoerger says palliative care can seem scary to patients because many believe it is the same as hospice care. He says the study looked at whether cancer patients were more or less likely to see this kind of care after learning more about it.

Cut 11 (11) “two months longer”

Hoerger says this is something patients can do while they’re still receiving treatment. He adds that they don’t have to be near death to receive palliative care. He says after learning about the benefits of palliative care, 75-percent of participants were more likely to seek it out.

Cut 12 (09) “palliative care”

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The conservative political advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity, is pushing back against proposals to increase the state’s gasoline tax. State Director John Kay says they stand against any increase on the gasoline tax, no matter how big or small, because Louisiana taxpayers have already seen their taxes go up enough.

Cut 13 (07) “the legislature”

There’s talk of increasing the state’s gasoline tax between 17 to 23-cents to generate more money to fix Louisiana’s lousy roads. But Kay says only 11-percent of the money in the transportation trust fund is used to repair and construct roads. He says structural changes should be made before taxes are raised.

Cut 14 (10) “time to do”

Kay says Louisianans are already paying a combined state and local tax of more than 38 cents for every gallon of gas they buy. Proponents for increasing the tax say it hasn’t been raised in 30 year and doesn’t account for inflation. But Kay says taxes shouldn’t go up just because they haven’t been increased in a while.

Cut 15 (09) “that problem first”

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The LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they host Georgia, but the Tigers go into league action without its closer. Senior right hander Hunter Newman is out with a bad back and could miss at least a couple of weeks. Coach Paul Mainieri says other pitchers will have to step up…

Cut 16 (13) “opportunities”

Alex Lange will start on the mound tonight for the Tigers and then Saturday it will be Jared Poche. The senior lefty from Lutcher has not allowed a run in 29 innings this year, but he hasn’t been perfect…

Cut 17 (13)  “that pitch”

The Tigers also head into conference play without a regular designated hitter. Mainieri says he continues to wait for someone to step up and take that role on a permanent basis…

Cut 18 (19) “step up”

The state has set a new record for seat belt usage. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Proposals to reduce Louisiana’s highest-in-the-world incarceration rate have been released by the Governor’s Justice Reinvestment Task Force. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Walker police officer has been suspended for three days without pay after hanging a noose in the department’s squad room. Walker Police Capt. John Sharp says the makeshift noose was hung on a pipe in public view.

Cut 3 (09) “in the noose”

Sharp says the department has several options when it comes to who will conduct the investigation and determine if charges should be filed. Walker Police Chief David Addison reportedly requested the Attorney General’s Office to look into the matter. But Sharp says the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office would be more appropriate to lead the investigation.

cut 4  (11) “drag out”

Sharp says the department takes this very seriously because the unnamed officer is a sergeant and should be held to a higher standard. He says there’s a law on the books that prohibits the display of a noose in public to intimidate a person or persons.

Cut 5  (12)  “squad room”

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A new record has been set in the Pelican State for seat belt usage. Based on a study from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 88-percent of drivers and passengers are buckled up, which is up two-percent from the previous year. The commission’s executive director, Doctor Katara Williams says they are pleased more motorists are making the choice to buckle up…

Cut 6 (07) “seat belt”

The report shows the increase is mostly attributable to more African-American and Hispanic drivers and passengers are buckling up. Williams says Hispanic usage rates rose 10-percent…

CUT 7 (06)  “preserve life”

Usage rates were up in each region of the state, except for the Alexandria and Monroe areas. Williams says there was a seven-percent decline in drivers and passengers who use their seat belt in central Louisiana…

Cut 8 (07) “that trend”

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The Justice Reinvestment Task Force Commissioned by Governor John Bel Edwards has released its recommendations to reduce Louisiana’s highest-in-the-world incarceration rate. Department of Corrections Secretary James Leblanc says if enacted, these proposals would put us second in the world.

Cut 9 (10)  “300 million”

Leblanc says their recommendations include changes to drug and property crimes, altering probation and parole supervision, simplifying the criminal code, and narrow sentencing ranges. He says they are presenting 26 ideas borrowed from other states that reflect compromise and innovation.

Cut 10 (11) “other states”

The recommendations seek to focus prison beds on those who pose a serious threat to public safety.  Governor Edwards acknowledges there are some people who need to be in jail for a long time, either for the nature of the crime or their threat to public safety.

cut 11 (09) “smart on crime”

The proposals from the task force will be put into bills that will be considered in the upcoming regular session. Edwards says while the recommendations are a good start, we’re a long way from mission accomplished.

cut 12 (09) “legislative instruments”

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Catholics who are abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent get a pass on St. Patrick’s Day, sort of. Fr. Frank Coens of St. Paschal Catholic Church in West Monroe says giving up meat is a type of penance Catholics practice during the 40 day season between Mardi Gras and Easter. He says the St. Patrick’s Day exception dates back to an old Irish tradition.

Cut 13 (09) “Irish family”

But Coens says it doesn’t just apply to Irish Catholics. He adds that while slipping up once isn’t considered sinful, it’s better to have a good reason for eating meat on a Friday during Lent. Unfortunately, having a hankering for a steak won’t cut it.

cut 14 (10) “good enough reason”

Coens says denying ourselves of certain things reminds us we need change in our lives, which is why Catholics practice different kinds of personal sacrifice during Lent. If you’re going to eat meat tomorrow, he recommends finding some other penance to do instead.

Cut 15 (10) “on Friday”

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It’s March Madness time, and a survey conducted by a staffing firm found companies who hold bracket competitions have happier employees. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Former state lawmaker Elbert Guillory has been chosen by the Louisiana GOP to lead an outreach effort to bring more minorities to the Republican Party. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State lawmakers are putting together a bill for the regular session that would increase the state’s gasoline tax for the first time in decades. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With March Madness officially kicking off today, a staffing firm finds that nearly one in four companies organize activities tied to sporting events and it actually boosts morale. Office Team District President Brandi Britton says managers who do things like hold a bracket competition tend to have happier employees…:

Cut 4  (07) “March Madness”

Britton said they found only 14 percent of employers felt the tournament was a distraction. She said incorporating fun activities surrounding March Madness can promote a healthy mix of work and play, but managers still need to be organized about it:

Cut 5  (10)  “after work”

Britton says among those whose firms do get into the games, 37% report the top benefit is that friendly competitions help build camaraderie among colleagues. She says businesses should capitalize on major sporting events to bring teams together and have more fun at work…:

Cut 6 (09) “expectations are”

Britton says 66% percent of employees feel that celebrating sporting events can boost their overall happiness at work.

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Former state lawmaker Elbert Guillory has been chosen by the Louisiana Republican Party to lead an outreach effort to bring more minorities to the GOP. Guillory became the first black Republican state senator in 2013 when he switched from the Democratic Party. He says his hope is to convince African-American voters the Republican Party has their interest in mind.

Cut 7 (10)  “do better”

Chairman of the Louisiana GOP, Roger Villere, approached Guillory for the position. Guillory says they want the Bayou State to become a leader in engaging and expanding the party. He believes the Democratic Party is leading minorities in the wrong direction.

Cut 8 (08) “today”

Guillory says the Republican Party has demonstrated it’s more concerned about creating more jobs and tackling inner-city crime than the Democratic Party.

Cut 9 (11)  “except us”

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During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards thanked State Police Col. Mike Edmonson for his more than three and a half decades of service. The governor accepted Edmonson’s retirement yesterday, effective March 24. He says he and the Colonel have been talking about the issue for the past few days.

Cut 10 (08) “to retire”

The retirement announcement comes as multiple agencies are investigating LSP’s travel spending. Edwards says the Colonel was the longest serving Superintendent of State Police ever, heading the department for 9 years under two different administrations. The governor says from here, he will appoint an interim Superintendent.

Cut 11 (08) “State Police”

Edwards says for a permanent Superintendent, he is looking for someone who is a good communicator with leadership skills and can manage a large operation. He says as Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Services, Edmonson was also over the Office of Motor Vehicles, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and highway safety.

Cut 12 (11) “law enforcement community”

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With the legislative session approaching, lawmakers are still working on a bill that would seek to raise the state’s gasoline tax for the first time in 30 years. Democratic Representative Sam Jones of Franklin says lawmakers need to put something on the ballot to improve deteriorating roads and bridges. But he says it’s still unclear how many cents the tax would go up.

Cut 13 (09) “talked about”

A 17-cent increase to the state’s gasoline tax would generate over 500-million dollars a year. Jones says there is at least some appetite at the Capitol to increase the gas tax, but how much remains to be seen. He believes the issue should go to the voters for them to decide, because there are unmet transportation needs around the state.

Cut 14 (10) “to be addressed”

Republican Representative Steve Carter of Baton Rouge says the recommended gas tax hike from the Transportation Task Force is 23-cents a gallon, but he says it’s yet to be decided how much of an increase will go into a bill that would be debated when the session starts April 10th. He says his constituents are particularly concerned about traffic conditions.

Cut 15 (10) “a nightmare”

Carter says the entire state would benefit from a gas tax increase. Officials say every penny the gasoline tax goes up, an additional 30-million dollars can be spent on transportation needs. He says traffic congestion and crumbling roads and bridges are not unique to the Capitol City.

Cut 16 (10) “we may have”

Motorists currently pay 38-cents in federal and state gasoline taxes, and 20-cents is from the state. Any increase to the state gasoline tax would take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

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Patriots restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is set to meet with the Saints today at their headquarters in Metairie. There’s been a lot of talk that New Orleans would like to acquire the 27-year-old who intercepted four passes last season. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Butler would be a good fit on the Black and Gold…

Cut 17 (13)  “the Texans”

The Saints have an estimated 12.5 million dollars left in salary cap space and they have to sign their draft picks. Detillier anticipates the Saints will be creative if they are able to sign Butler to a longterm deal…

Cut 18 (16) “big investment”

The Patriots can match any offer the Saints make. But Detillier believes the two teams will work out some sort of sign and trade deal to bring Butler to Big Easy. Detillier says Butler would give the Saints a quality starting cornerback to go along with Delvin Breaux

Cut 19 (14)   “for tomorrow”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office found four shot to death and one injured this morning at an apartment complex in Metairie. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24 amid ongoing investigations into his agency. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Denham Springs contractor has been arrested after allegedly defrauding two Baton Rouge flood victims. BRPD Sgt. Don Coppola says 48-year-old Andrew Darian contacted two female victims, one of whom was 70-years-old, about doing work on their homes.

Cut 3 (12) “from them”

Coppola says Darian would even change his number after getting the money. He says unfortunately, we’ve seen similar cases of fraud by supposed contractors since the August flood. He says this adds an extra burden on the victims.

cut 4  (11) “to rebuild”

Coppola says Darian is charged with home improvement fraud, felony theft, misapplication of payment, and theft of assets of an aged person. He says it’s unclear if Darian has any other victims, but if you have been a victim of contractor fraud you should  contact authorities.

Cut 5  (10)  “help you out”

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Jefferson Parish authorities found four people dead at an apartment complex in Metairie early this morning. Sheriff Newell Normand says when authorities arrived they found three people dead and a woman shot in the face, who was transported to a local hospital. He says as deputies were canvasing the scene, a nearby apartment had an open door…

Cut 6 (10) “of age”

Normand says they are working to identify the four victims. He says originally they were investigating a triple homicide and finding another body turns back the clock on the investigation.

CUT 7 (07)  “original scene”

Normand says three men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene and the injured female is reported to be in stable condition. He says it’s too early in the investigation to speculate about what exactly happened.

Cut 8 (06) “information”

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After spending nine years as the leader of State Police, Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announces his plans to retire March 24^th. The agency has been the center of controversy regarding questionable travel by four state troopers. Edmonson says he loves his job, but stepping down brings a sense of normalcy to the department.

Cut 9 (10)  “any distractions”

Edmonson says he will work with Governor John Bel Edwards and his successor to make the transition as seamless as possible. He says he wouldn’t have done anything differently because problems are always going to arise.

Cut 10 (12) “move forward”

LSP is under investigation by multiple agencies after four troopers made taxpayer funded overnight stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon while heading to a training conference in San Diego. Political analyst Clancy Dubos the announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

cut 11 (11) “make a change”

Over a dozen members of State Police have also been subpoenaed as part of federal investigation into illegal campaign contributions involving the Louisiana State Troopers Association and its executive director. Dubos says Edmonson retirement is the best move for everyone involved.

cut 12 (11) “that organization”

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New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has decided not to go forward with his previous suggestion to close the doors of all bars in the Crescent City at 3 a.m. in an effort to increase safety. French Quarter Business League President Alex Fein says they’ve been against the idea from the get go and are glad that proposition has been taken off the table.

Cut 13 (09) “their mind”

Fein says especially on Bourbon Street, a lot of bars are open past 3 a.m. and there was a concern it could negatively affect businesses. But he says their biggest problem with the proposed change was they didn’t want the world seeing the city in a different light…

cut 14 (09) “we’re changing”

Landrieu still plans on using 40 million dollars to tighten security in the city. Fein says they are encouraged by other recommendations the mayor has to make New Orleans a safer place.

Cut 15 (10) “come visit” 

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Plans to replace the Affordable Care Act are dominating conversations in Washington. Jeff Palermo has more on the proposal…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Charges are expected to be filed against a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The sea level is rising on Louisiana’s western coast at a rate that’s four times higher than the global average. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Healthcare is the big issue in Washington. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says federal lawmakers are heading in the right direction of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. He says they can’t leave Obamacare as it is because it’s driving up premiums and people are losing coverage.

Cut 4  (11) “fix it”

One of Governor John Bel Edwards’ biggest concerns with the replacement plan is losing Medicaid expansion. Abraham says most of the people on Medicaid are working people whose employers don’t offer insurance and who can’t afford it on their own. He says boosting the economy would resolve this.

Cut 5  (11)  “go with this”

Abraham says the bill is still in its early form with a long way to go, but he’s certain about some changes that are coming. He says rolling back the taxes created under Obamacare will be one of those changes. He says eliminating the individual and employer mandates is also a key goal for the GOP.

Cut 6 (11) “they can afford”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his biggest concern with the current Affordable Care Act is that it’s unaffordable. He says it’s the largest tax increase in US history. He says another issue is the limited access to physicians.

Cut 7 (11)  “their doctors”

Graves says in the House replacement bill, the individual mandate will be removed, and citizens will no longer be fined for not having coverage. He says he also hopes to see policies that prevent medication costs from skyrocketing. He says after Obamacare, some companies increased the cost of their drugs by 100%.

Cut 8 (10) “other countries”

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Arrests are anticipated in the case of a Westminster Christian Academy student who hung a noose at the school’s baseball field. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says three black boys were arguing with three white boys at the ball field last week when things escalated.

Cut 9 (10)  “a felony”

Both the victims and the suspect are refusing to speak without attorneys. Guidroz says the noose was hung on the batting cage at the field. He says all 6 of the boys are friends who play on the same baseball team, and the argument just got out of hand.

Cut 10 (09) “we are today”

Guidroz says fashioning a hangman’s noose is a felony that carries a penalty of a $5-thousand fine and at least a year in jail. He anticipates an arrest will be made soon, but he says they don’t want to hinder anyone’s future.

Cut 11 (11) “educational climb”

The school issued a statement saying it in no way condones the use of such racially insensitive language, behavior, or symbolism.

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Southeastern Louisiana University revamps its offerings for the summer semester by lowering tuition cost and adding high demanded courses. Director of Marketing and Admissions Mike Rivault says they wanted to have a wider variety of classes available for current students and students home for the summer from other universities.

Cut 12 (10) “have risen”

Rivault says the new course offerings include hybrid courses, which combine face-to-face and online instruction. He says the recommended course load for a student is 15 hours a semester and 30 hours a year but many students can’t…

Cut 13 (09) “as possible”

Rivault says with an anticipated net cost of less than 900-dollars for three-credit hour course, Southeastern’s summer semester will provide the highest education value with the lowest cost of four-year colleges in south Louisiana…

Cut 14 (10) “another university”

For more information visit southeastern.edu/summersmart.

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Rising sea levels are threatening the western side of Louisiana’s coast, according to a Tulane study. Co-author Torbjorn Tornqvist (Tor-bee-on Torn-quist) says they used data from the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to determine how fast the sea level is rising.

Cut 15 (10) “the world”

Tornqvist says the reason the rate is so high in Louisiana is the coast is sinking. He says in some parts of the Mississippi River delta, sediment accumulation keeps up with the rising sea. But he says accretion is not occurring as quickly on the west side of the coast.

Cut 16 (11) “sea level rise”

Tornqvist says if nothing is done, more than 60-percent of the sites they track in the westernmost coast will go under water. He says significant coastal restoration is the only hope. But he says even those efforts might not be enough.

Cut 17 (11)  “in the future”

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The installation of a new offense is underway at LSU. Quarterback Danny Etling and the Tigers had their second practice of the spring yesterday and the starting signal caller says he has good feel for the basics of offensive coordinator’s Matt Canada’s offense

Cut 18 (16) “go a long”

The transfer from Purdue has been in several different offenses during his career and says Canada’s offense is easier to learn, because there is a system behind it.  Etling also calls the Tigers new O-C a good teacher…

Cut 19 (13)   “good relationship”

Etling says Canada preaches a quick tempo on offense and getting everyone involved…

Cut 20 (15)   “excited to do”

Louisiana is now seeing a cluster of mumps cases with students at LSU. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Energy producing areas of the state continue to see large decline in employment. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state Legislative Auditor’s Office launches an investigation into the travel spending of Louisiana State Police. The inquiry comes amid an ongoing investigation into the agency by the Governor’s Office. Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera hopes this probe will lead to policy changes.

Cut 3 (09) “in the future”

LSP is under scrutiny after four troopers made stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon on their way to a training conference in San Diego. Reports also indicate at least one trooper may have received overtime pay while on the trip. Purpera says the goal is to uncover the truth.

cut 4  (09) “actually transpired”

LSP is conducting their own internal investigation into the side trips and possible overtime pay. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson hopes the findings of all these probes can be turned into new policy and accountability practices.

Cut 5  (09)  “welcome that”

The results from State Police’s own investigation are expected in the coming weeks. Edmonson is still at the helm of LSP, despite rumors he would step down amid ongoing investigations into his department by multiple agencies. The Superintendent says he has no plans to vacate his position.

Cut 6 (10) “State Police”

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There has been a large outbreak of mumps cases in Arkansas and we’re starting to see cases in Louisiana now. Medical Director of the state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch says they’ve been able to confirm at least six cases on the LSU campus. He says mumps is relatively mild but can cause some serious complications…

CUT 7 (10)  “kill people”

Welch says the U.S. used to see less than one thousand cases a year but there were over 5-thousand cases of the mumps in 2016. He says the disease is spread through saliva, so it’s important to wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing and avoid sharing utensils.

Cut 8 (10) “health center”

LDH encourages everyone to receive two doses of the mumps vaccine which is 90-percent effective and the department has sent alerts to all doctors.  Welch says the outbreak in Arkansas is mostly in school aged children. He says even though the majority of mumps cases in Louisiana have been at LSU, they are also taking every measure to ensure young children are aware of the disease.

Cut 9 (11)  “hygiene”

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The Bureau of Labor and Statistics finds Louisiana’s unemployment rate has seen little change overall in the past year, but manufacturing and the oil and gas industry continue to see big losses. Houma lost 6,000 jobs over the year, and Lafayette lost 9,000. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says the loss rate in the Houma and Lafayette areas has slowed, but not enough.

Cut 10 (11) “too low”

However, other employment sectors like construction and education and health services saw tremendous gains. The Lake Charles area in particular saw an increase of 5,600 jobs over the year. Scott says the primary reason for that growth is the industrial expansion.

cut 11 (10) “96 billion”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is just under 6-percent statewide. Baton Rouge lost 1,300 jobs over the year, but gained 4,100 in the past month. Scott says the Capitol City has a number of projects that are underway and even more that have recently been announced.

cut 12 (09) “growth path”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging the protection of Medicaid expansion. The governor’s communications director Richard Carbo says as the debate is underway in the nation’s capital to repeal and replace Obamacare, Edwards is standing behind the program he signed into law on his first day in office…

Cut 13 (10) “number one”

Carbo says with the money generated from the expansion, the state is able to avoid major cuts to TOPS, K-12 education and partner hospitals. He says their biggest concern with the proposed health care legislation is that thousands of Louisiana residents who were recently insured though Medicaid will lose that coverage.

cut 14 (11) “healthcare”

In the letter, Edwards acknowledged the expansion is not perfect, but changes can be made without harming the people who have been positively affected by their new healthcare. Carbo says in addition to saving lives, Medicaid expansion has been good for our economy and budget.

Cut 15 (09) “hear that” 

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 4  (10) “while driving”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “and replace”

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

Cut 6 (11) “increases”

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

Cut 7 (09)  “Type I diabetes”

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

Cut 8 (10) “their pregnancies”

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

Cut 9 (11)  “donation request”

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

Cut 10 (08) “from Germany”

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

Cut 11 (11) “all around Louisiana”

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

Cut 12 (08) “international travel”

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

Cut 13 (10) “the superintendent”

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

Cut 14 (09) “will go forward”

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

Cut 15 (09) “underneath him”

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

Cut 16 (09) “with you”

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

Cut 17 (15)  “part of it”

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

Cut 18 (18) “can be”

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 4  (11) “nonviolent crimes”

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

Cut 5  (11)  “of themselves”

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

Cut 6 (12) “self-sufficient”

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

Cut 7 (10)  “in debt”

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

Cut 8 (11) “dramatic jump”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “gambling”

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

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

Cut 10 (12) “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 11 (10) “absolutely beautiful”

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

Cut 12 (09) “be proud of”

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

Cut 13 (10) “of California”

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

Cut 14 (10) “on our team”

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

Cut 15 (07) “your door”

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

Cut 16 (13) “spend some money”

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

Cut 17 (12)  “Northwestern State”

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

Cut 18 (08) “conference”

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

Cut 19 (11)   “the weekend”

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

Cut 20 (12)   “many runs”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

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

Cut 3 (10) “rattles everybody”

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

cut 4  (07) “done this”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “to justice”

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

Cut 6 (13) “state police”

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

CUT 7 (07)  “Michael Edmonson”

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

Cut 8 (07) “the FBI”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “basketball coach “

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

Cut 10 (11) “it just didn’t work out”

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

cut 11 (08) “right thing to do”

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

cut 12 (07) “every year”

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

Cut 13 (08) “great seasoning”

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

cut 14 (08) “as well”