Severe weather is a possibility tonight in south Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The woman who accidentally uploaded a nude video to the Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Instagram account is taking legal action. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Couples around the country and across the Bayou State celebrate their love this Valentine’s Day in a variety of ways. Offers.com analyzed gift related keywords based on the increase in February versus the rest of the year to determine the most popular Valentine’s Day items. Kerry Sherin with Offers.com says they took a look at what’s at the top of Louisianans’ wish lists.

Cut 3 (09) “Valentine’s Day”

Sherin says drop earrings and white gold chains for men rounded out the top five gifts. She says unlike the rest of the country, Louisianans want daisies for Valentine’s Day, instead of roses. She says we also have different taste in holiday candy.

cut 4  (08) “whatever it is”

Sherin says Louisianans won’t need to fight the crowds or make dinner reservations this year. She says like most of the country, a night at home will do in the Bayou State.

Cut 5  (09)  “and relax”

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South Louisiana could face the possibility of more severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. State climatologist Barry Keim says the radar shows a strong line of storms moving in from Texas.

Cut 6 (09) “more tornadoes”

Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has much of south Louisiana under a slight risk for severe weather, and central Louisiana is facing a marginal risk. He says this event doesn’t look quite as severe as what we saw last week, but as we saw then, things can change quickly.

CUT 7 (09)  “about this one”

Keim says once the storm pushes through, there will be a slight drop in temperatures, but nothing like the freeze we saw last month. He says despite it still technically being winter, the weather feels more like spring in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11) “are very spring-like”

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The former Executive Director of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking legal action after she was terminated Monday. The firing comes after 61-year-old Lynn Dorsey accidentally posted a risqué video to the CVB’s Instagram account. Dorsey’s attorney, Lydia Rhodes, says they plan to go to court and make a case for a breach of contract.

Cut 9 (07)  “working from”

Rhodes says that contract was through the end of this calendar year. Dorsey said in December when the nude video went live online that it was intended for her husband. Rhodes says they also have a few issues with the way the matter proceeded with the commission.

Cut 10 (10) “with Mrs. Dorsey”

Rhodes says Dorsey had been with the CVB for 12 years. She says they are looking at their legal options because the stakeholders in this incident are the people in the tourism industry, and they are the ones who will be impacted.

cut 11 (10) “that community”

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Two Florida residents have been arrested on multiple counts of fraud and theft after repeatedly swiping several access cards to purchase large amounts of gift cards at Lowe’s in Baton Rouge. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says a retired police officer was at the store and noticed this common practice of fraud so he immediately contacted the authorities.

cut 12 (11) “of fraud”

McKneely says 36-year-old Jayson Carter and 17-year-old Mardashia Harris, both of Florida, were arrested. He says authorities believe the two are part of a ring…

Cut 13 (09) “possible ring“

McKneely says Carter and Harris were found with multiple cards with the same name…

cut 14 (10) “fake cards”

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A Benton couple has once again been honored as Louisiana’s longest known married couple. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino” 

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Two state Senators file a resolution to expel Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown after being convicted of two separate domestic abuse charges. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor Edwards kicked-off the special session by explaining to legislators why it’s important to use rainy day dollars to address a 304-million dollar budget deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the third straight year, a couple from Bossier Parish is known as the longest known married couple in the state. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says 103-year-old Lawrence Player and 97-year-old Varrie Player of Benton have been married for 82 years and they celebrated the terrific accomplishment this past weekend with a cake.

Cut 4  (10) “great grandchildren”

Mills says the Players were married on January 27, 1935 and they have no intention of slowing down. He says they shared some of their secrets for a long lasting marriage.

Cut 5  (09)  “by themselves”

Every year Louisiana Family Forum honors the top ten longest married couples in the state. Mills says Will Henry and Virginia Teasley of Bienville Parish are this year’s runners up, married for 80 years. He says Virginia is in hospice care, so on the way to Benton they stopped in to visit and deliver a king cake.

Cut 6 (11) “for a lifetime”

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A resolution has been filed for the special session that seeks to expel Napleonville Senator Troy Brown from the legislature, because of two recent domestic abuse convictions. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt filed the measure along with Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor. Hewitt says anytime an elected official breaks the law, it erodes the public’s trust in all elected leaders.

Cut 7 (08)  “Senator Brown”‘

Hewitt says it’s time that we raise the standards for what we expect from our elected officials. She says for too long we’ve been tolerant of elected leaders who’ve been guilty of corruption, scandal, and general disregard for the citizens they were chosen to represent.

Cut 8 (10) “elected leaders”

Claitor says the Louisiana Constitution allows the legislature to discipline members, and it happens in the form of a resolution. He expects the first hearing will occur within two or three days, and in a week the committee will have another hearing with evidence and testimony, before it goes to the floor.

Cut 9 (11)  “ought to go”

It will take 26 out of 39 votes to expel the senator. Brown issued a statement last month saying expulsion is the political equivalent to execution. He went on to say that only 8 states have ever expelled a Senator, and it was always over more serious matters.

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On the opening night of the special session, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his reasons on why the state legislature should use 119-million dollars from the rainy day fund to address a 304-million dollar shortfall. Edwards says without using it, cuts will likely have to be made to higher education, public schools and social services like foster care

Cut 10 (06) “public service”

Edwards says the Rainy Day fund was tapped four times during former Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration. There’s concern by some lawmakers of draining the fund down to zero, but Edwards says that won’t happen thanks to BP settlement dollars

Cut 11 (09) “budget stabilization fund ”

There have been several Republican lawmakers who have advocated for more cuts to the budget. Edwards says if here’s there’s another option out there, let’s discuss it…

Cut 12 (11) “proposals”

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A new website seeks to reduce wasteful spending in state government. Covington Representative John Schroder launched StopLouisianaWaste.com to allow individuals to anonymously report state government waste.

Cut 13 (08) “the case”

Schroder says given the state’s budget problems, lawmakers have to make sure they’re spending every penny of taxpayer money wisely. He says he will personally investigate each incident and provide the information to the proper agency.

Cut 14 (06) “anonymously”

Schroder stresses that people can post to the website anonymously. He says he’s interested to see what people will say in private that they wouldn’t say in public.

Cut 15 (09) “to do”

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Quarterback Brandon Harris is looking for a new school. The one-time starting Q-B for the Tigers says he’s transferring and head coach Ed Orgeron will allow Harris to transfer to any school he chooses. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says this is not a surprise, since Danny Etling is the likely starting signal caller in 2017

Cut 16 (06) “next year”

Harris started the first two games of the 2016 season, but was benched during the Jacksonville State game. He appeared in just four games on the season and threw for only 139 yards after starting all 12 games in his sophomore campaign. Moran says if Harris wants to play, he needs to find another school…

Cut 17 (13)  “terribly surprising “

Moran says with Harris’ departure it opens the door for three other quarterbacks, who will compete in the spring, to battle for the number two spot in the depth chart….

Cut 18 (21) “make a case”

The third special session begins tonight, on the eve of the anniversary of the first one called by Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A poison that would kill wild hogs could soon make its way to Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Tonight Louisiana lawmakers will convene for their third special session in just one year, as they attempt to resolve a $304 million midyear budget deficit. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says one of the biggest battles will be whether or not to tap into the rainy day fund, and how much. He says if they do not use the fund, lawmakers will face tough decisions.

Cut 3 (08) “state services”

The governor supports using the fund, but it has gotten pushback from some Republican lawmakers. But Stockley says there appears to be enough support from the GOP to tap into the state’s savings account.

cut 4  (12) “being underfunded”

It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for the legislature to use the rainy day fund. Stockley says whether or not the votes are there remains to be seen.

Cut 5  (07)  “it seems”

The special session begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. and must end by midnight on February 22.

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A new website has launched that seeks to help Louisianans find jobs in the restaurant industry. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says LouisianaHospitalityJobs.com is designed to meet the needs of the state’s ever-expanding hospitality sector.

Cut 6 (09) “currently filled”

Waren says Louisiana has 83-hundred restaurants and bars, which employ more than 205-thousand workers. She says the site currently has 500 available positions. She says they are excited to connect employers with their ProStart program, which helps people without restaurant experience get the training they need to embark on this career path.

CUT 7 (11)  “college level”

Waren says while the site helps employers fill vacancies with competent workers, it’s also a huge help to those looking to find the right job for them.

Cut 8 (10) “industry-based certifications”

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A school bus overturned in St. Helena Parish this morning, sending dozens of children to area hospitals. State Trooper Dustin Dwight says the bus was travelling on LA 43 about to make a left hand turn near Greensburg when it was hit by another vehicle.

Cut 9 (10)  “left turn”

Dwight says the impact caused the bus to overturn on its right side. He says all of the children on the bus were transported to local hospitals for evaluation, some by Acadian Ambulance and other by their parents.

Cut 10 (08) “injuries reported”

Dwight says the drivers of both the school bus and the other vehicle were taken to hospitals. He says the investigation is ongoing, and they do anticipate traffic charges on the driver of the Chevy Silverado. He says this goes to show the importance of making safe decisions behind the wheel.

cut 11 (08) “were fortunate”

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A poison that would kill wild hogs could soon be available in Louisiana. The population of the feral animal is nearly 700,000 and they are a major nuisance in many areas of the state. Jim LaCour is a veterinarian with LDWF. He says the Environmental Protection Agency has approved a product called Kaput…:

cut 12 (07) “consecutive days”

LaCour says more tests are needed before they’ll use Kaput here because the major concern is that other non-target animals, especially the Louisiana Black Bear, could eat it and die. He says the bears were recently removed from the federal Endangered Species List…:

Cut 13 (07) “especially“

Kaput will be released to the public in Texas in May. LaCour says the poison would be placed in a feeder, and you basically have to train the hogs how to open the door. He says raccoons are very strong and could also get inside the feeder, so it’s not that LDWF isn’t in favor of using an effective bait-poison…:

cut 14 (10) “in the state”

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Phillips 66 says the fire at the Paradis Pipeline Station in St. Charles Parish is finally out. Company spokesperson Dennis Nuss says the blaze was extinguished this morning…

Cut 15 (06) “is investigated”

A missing worker from Thursday’s blast is presumed dead. He’s been identified as Josh Helms. Nuss says this remains a difficult time Phillips 66…

Cut 16  (07)  “thoughts and prayers”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco reacts to the news that actress Annette Bening has been cast to portray her in the upcoming FX show Katrina: American Crime Story. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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State lawmakers return to the state capitol tonight for a 10-day special session to eliminate a 304-million dollar budget deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s been 6 months since The Great Flood of 2016, so how far have affected Louisiana communities come? Michelle Southern gets a progress update…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is honored to hear Oscar nominated actress Annette Bening has been cast to portray her in the upcoming FX television series, Katrina: American Crime Story. She says the show will explore the extreme poverty of New Orleans residents before and after the hurricane.  

Cut 4  (11) “like that”

Blanco expects there will be about 13 episodes during the season, which is scheduled to air in 2018. She says she would be happy to sit down and talk with Annette Bening to help her play up the character.

Cut 5  (07)  “each other”

The script is based off a book by Doug Brinkley, The Great Deluge. Blanco says much of the filming will take place in New Orleans. She anticipates one of the storylines will be how the White House did not immediate bring the resources needed to help the thousands that were impacted.  

Cut 6 (08) “government”

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A 10-day special session begins tonight as Governor John Bel Edwards is asking lawmakers to use a combination of cuts and money from the rainy day fund to close a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it’s their recommendation that legislators approve the use of 119-million dollars in rainy day dollars

Cut 7 (09)  “be made”‘

If the legislature uses 119-million dollars from the rainy day fund on this fiscal year’s budget deficit that means 185-million dollars in cuts and shuffling of dollars will be needed to close the deficit. Republican House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry proposes to cut more than what the governor recommends, because the state faces another significant deficit next fiscal year

Cut 8 (11) “reductions now”

A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate is required before money can be taken out of the Rainy Day Fund. Monroe Representative Jay Morris is also in favor of cutting the budget deeper than what the governor proposes…

Cut 9 (10)  “year over year”

Morris says he’s found areas in the Louisiana Department of Health’s budget that can be cut further than what the governor has suggested. He points out a specific program within the governor’s council on physical fitness and sports…

Cut 10 (12) “and a like”

The special session must conclude business by midnight February 22^nd. Dardenne says they know there’s a group of lawmakers who oppose using rainy day dollars to eliminate the deficit…

Cut 11 (11) “we’re facing”

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6 months ago, the worst disaster to strike the United States in over 4 years hit Louisiana; “The Great Flood of 2016.” So where to things stand now? In Livingston Parish, approximately 80% of residential and commercial structures were damaged by flooding. Parish President Layton Ricks says many residents are back in their homes, but…:

Cut 12 (10) “back on track”

Ricks says recovery has moved along much faster than he thought it would, but there’s still a long way to go. He says even so, there’s no doubt in his mind that the parish will double in population as was projected prior to the flood…:

Cut 13 (12) “low crime rate”

Several schools were displaced by the flood, but are slowing but surely starting to come back. St. Amant High is returning to its campus today, and Ascension Parish Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander says that’s a major milestone in the road to recovery…:

Cut 14 (10) “on a single site”

Alexander says he knows St. Amant’s 2,000 students will be glad to be off the platoon schedule with Dutchtown, and back on their home campus. He says it was incredible to see how well everyone impacted handled the circumstances…:

Cut 15 (11) “back home”

In Lafayette Parish, hundreds of homes took on water in the town of Youngsville. Mayor Ken Ritter says he’s frustrated at the recovery effort because many of their residents don’t qualify for flood aid due to their income being above moderate…:

Cut 16 (15) “be affected”

Ritter says he’s extremely proud of their residents as most are back home because they took the initiative to rebuild themselves. He says as recovery money comes into the state, he hopes their people aren’t forgotten…:

Cut 17 (10)  “left behind “

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Deputies in Iberville Parish say they have made the largest gas pump skimmer arrest in the state’s history. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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It’s a beautiful weekend for a crawfish boil and there are plenty out there. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This Sunday high school seniors have the opportunity to receive free professional assistance in filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s called College Goal Sunday. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Spokesperson Gus Wales says any soon to be high school graduate can get help at 15 locations around the state.

Cut 3 (08) “FAFSA”

Doors open at 1:30 and the program runs until 4:00 p.m. and students are encouraged to pre-register at www.osfa.la.gov to ensure there are enough professionals to assist. The 15 sites are located in every region of the state at select community colleges, technical schools and universities. Wales says this allows for a painless application process.

cut 4  (08) “free event”

Wales says this event is specifically for high schools seniors but juniors are welcome to attend to get general information about the process. He says a brief informational session takes place before the program begins.

Cut 5  (11)  “the FAFSA”

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A Phillips 66 employee remains unaccounted for after a pipeline explosion that took place in St. Charles Parish on Thursday night. The company says six people were working at the site in Paradis when the blast occurred. Todd Denton with Phillips 66 expressed his sorrow for those involved at a press conference Friday morning

Cut 6 (12) “those impacted”

The missing person has not been identified. Denton says regular maintenance was taking place at the time of the explosion. Phillips says three workers were treated at the scene and one other worker is listed in fair condition at Baton Rouge General….

CUT 7 (06)  “second remains hospitalized”

Phillips says the pipeline is blocked and so is the valve and the remaining product will continue to burn off. There is a very large flame coming out of the damaged pipeline and it could take days before it’s extinguished. State Police Trooper Melissa Matey says the evacuation has been lifted, but there are still some closures on Highway 631

Cut 8 (09) “out there”

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Iberville Parish authorities say they have made the biggest gas skimmer arrest in the state’s history. Sheriff Brett Stassi says deputies arrested Serafin and his son, Juan Fuentes, of Miami, Florida, during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 where they discovered illegal equipment in the vehicle.

Cut 9 (09)  “gas machine”

Stassi says there is the potential that 2 million dollars was illegally collected on the Fuentes’ skimmers. He says they are issuing search warrants to find out how many credit card numbers were stored on the devices but detectives believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Cut 10 (08) “criminal families”

Stassi advises drivers to use credit cards when pumping gas or run their debit card as credit because skimmers can pick up pin numbers. He also says to alert an attendant if things don’t seem right at the pump.

cut 11 (10) “correctly”

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It’s a beautiful weekend to have a crawfish boil and the good news for restaurants, farmers and consumers is that the supply of mudbugs continues to be great for this time of year. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Mark Shirley says the catch is only going to get better..:

cut 12 (08) “about everyday”

Shirley says you’re starting to see the prices come down big time from the January high…:

Cut 13 (10) “any longer“

Shirley says while the mild winter has kept the crawfish a bit larger than usual for this point in the season, they’re still in the small-medium range right now…:

cut 14 (10) “nice size crawfish”

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LSU basketball will look to avoid its 11th straight defeat on Saturday when they host Arkansas at the Maravich Center. Coach Johnny Jones team is 9-14 overall, 1-and-10 in the SEC. During an appearance on the Jim Engster Show, LSU President F King Alexander was asked about whether a coaching change is needed

Cut 15 (10) “the year”

During the 10-game losing streak, all but two of the defeats have been double digits. Alexander admits it’s been a tough season for the Tigers, but any decisions on Jones’ future will be made later this year

Cut 16  (05)  “season left”

A recent survey by insurance Quotes finds 39-percent of motorists have never looked around for a cheaper policy. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino” 

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Valentine’s Day sales are expected to be about 18.2 billion dollars this year, compared to 19.7 billion dollars last year. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A UNO survey finds most Louisiana residents blame former Governor Bobby Jindal for the state’s current budget problems. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A survey by insuranceQuotes finds 39-percent of drivers in the U.S. have never shopped around to find cheaper auto insurance. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says looking for the best policies and rates is a great idea given that auto insurance prices are on the rise….

Cut 4  (10) “cell phones”

Donelon says an easy way for drivers to save money on auto insurance is to increase your deductible or lower your coverage limits. He says this is considered self-insuring and taking as much risk as a motorist can reasonably afford.

Cut 5  (11)  “calamity”

The survey also finds over half of drivers haven’t switched auto insurance companies in at least eight years and 6-percent of motorists have stuck with the same provider for over 30 years. Donelon says there is a comparison rate guide on the department of insurance’s website to view different policies.

Cut 6 (10) “.gov”

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The National Retail Federation finds this Valentine’s Day consumers are expected to spend 18.2 billion dollars. That’s down from 19.7 billion dollars last year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says we might be seeing a shift in how people celebrate this romantic holiday as couples are doing more things for each other around the year.

Cut 7 (07)  “Valentine’s Day”‘

The report also finds the number of people who celebrate the holiday has dropped by nearly 10-percent from 2007 to 54-percent this year. But Rice says this is still a big holiday for retailers.

Cut 8 (10) “for them”

Consumers are expected to spend about 85 dollars on their significant other or spouse. Rice says many couples are moving away from the chocolates and jewelry and giving their partner experimental gifts.

Cut 9 (10)  “the rush”

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins urges new Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to use social media as a way to vet immigrants. Higgins made the comments during a Homeland Security Committee meeting. The Republican from St. Landry Parish says the Obama administration failed to use this publicly available data…

Cut 10 (09) “social media”

Higgins believes a good way to prevent a terrorist from entering the U.S. is to review the social media use of immigrants who apply for a visa…

Cut 11 (10) “domestic terrorists”

Higgins says he is encouraged with the direction of the Homeland Security Department after hearing Secretary John Kelly speak. He says a visa applicant should also be required to provide their social media accounts and passwords

Cut 12 (04) “their intent”

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A UNO statewide poll finds six-out-of-10 Louisiana residents blame former Governor Bobby Jindal for the state’s budget problems. The Louisiana legislature is set to begin a third special session to correct a budget deficit since Jindal left office. UNO political scientist Ed Chervenak says the state’s fiscal troubles started early in Jindal’s term

Cut 13 (08) “institutional”

Chervenak says even though legislators are set to enter another special session where budget cuts will be required, Governor John Bel Edwards continues to have a strong approval rating of 49-percent…

Cut 14 (09) “the situation”

The telephone survey interviewed about nine-hundred Louisiana residents earlier this week. Chervenak says two-thirds of respondents say there is a need for a special legislative session…

Cut 15 (10) “wants to do”

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The Saints will stay in Louisiana for training camp this season. The NFL team will train at their facilities in Metairie after holding camp in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia the last three seasons. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says it’s good news for the fans

Cut 16 (15) “for that”

Coach Sean Payton was very complimentary of the setup at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virgina. But the team let the contract expire after three years and three straight non-playoff seasons. Detillier says practicing at the resort was not the reason for the losing seasons

Cut 17 (17)      ” talent “

Detillier says the team’s indoor facility is a reason why the Saints might have elected to stay home for training camp

Cut 18 (18) “in Metairie”

Marvel has selected Louisiana as their filming location for a new TV series to air on the Freeform network. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Flu season in Louisiana is in full swing. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Filming is underway in Louisiana for a new TV series from Marvel. Louisiana Entertainment Executive Director Chris Stelly says they’re very excited to have the Marvel brand in Louisiana. He says the new show is a spinoff from a Marvel classic, The Spectacular Spider-Man.

Cut 3 (11) “their own thing”

Stelly says crews began filming the pilot episode this week, and they’ll continue production for a 10 episode run. He says they’ll be filming in New Orleans and likely in other areas of the state as well. He hopes this encourages more production crews to choose the Bayou State as their filming destination.

cut 4  (07) “to have it”

Stelly says television production tends to be in the state longer than a feature film. He adds that they employ Louisiana residents for a longer period of time, usually 8 to 10 months out of the year. He says there’s also the potential to pick up year after year.

Cut 5  (07)  “the state”

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger will air on Freeform after production is completed.

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The flu season in Louisiana is ramping up and as the Bayou State has surpassed other states with the number of influenza cases. The state’s flu bug expert, Dr. Frank Welch, says five out of 100 visits to the doctor are for flu like symptoms. He says there is a very nasty stain of flu going around this year.

Cut 6 (11) “flu season”

An elementary and middle school in the Shreveport area are closed for the next two days because of the number of kids absent due to the flu. Welch says swine flu along with Influenza B are other popular strains but are not as dominate as H3N2. And he says the flu can lead to other serious illnesses.

CUT 7 (10)  “pneumonia”

Welch says this bad flu season will likely last from six to eight weeks. But he says it’s still not too late to protect yourself…

Cut 8 (10) “fired up”

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As many residents are picking up the pieces after tornados ravaged south Louisiana, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon advises tornado victims not to hesitate to file a claim.  He says some policyholders do hesitate for fear that their premiums would go up or they would be non-renewed by their insurer.

Cut 9 (09)  “that category”

Donelon says residents should not begin permanent repairs until an inspector has come to assess the damage. But he says temporary repairs should be made because policy holders have a legal obligation to minimize their damage.

Cut 10 (11) “further damage”

Donelon encourages policyholders to document their loss with pictures of the damage. He says while it’s important for consumers to know what their coverage is, there won’t be any flood versus wind controversy with this event.

cut 11 (08) “homeowners policy”

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A contractor in Ascension Parish has been arrested amid allegations he defrauded more than dozen homeowners who flooded in August. That’s according to Sheriff Jeff Wiley who says the suspect, 39-year-old Matthew Morris, is the owner of Complete Construction Contractors. He says they would complicate agreements to rack up thousands in claims:

cut 12 (08) “price gouging”

Wiley says Morris faces a number of charges including residential contractor fraud, 11 counts of engaging in the business of contracting without authority and 6 counts of theft of aged persons. He says some of these victims were elderly and it’s disgusting that someone would take advantage of people who are stressed and had just lost everything…:

Cut 13 (08) “of greed“

Wiley suspects there are more victims in other parishes where homeowners may only think they have a civil complaint, but this is a criminal matter. He says any other contractors who are doing the same thing need to take heed…:

cut 14 (07) “to operate”

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The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office has released the names of the three victims killed in Wednesday’s explosion at a packaging plant near DeRidder. 32-year-old William Rolls,  40-year-old Sedrick Stallworth and 40-year-old Jody Goch were working at the plant when two tanks exploded. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says they do have a preliminary cause…

Cut 15 (10) “ensued”

Seven other workers were injured by the blast, but Anderson says only one of them remains hospitalized. He says welding activity was taking place near the tank that exploded and they have an idea what was inside the tank…

Cut 16  (09)  “this time”

Today the governor is expected to announce his tax reform proposals that legislators will consider during the regular session in April. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tuesday’s tornado that struck New Orleans east was unfortunately one for the record books. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A state judge in Baton Rouge has been banned from a popular local restaurant chain after he allegedly used racial slurs towards a black woman. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent Tyler Wheeler, who was shot five times during a traffic stop last month, will return home to Monroe this weekend. Wheeler has been in rehab in Mississippi where he is now walking half a mile each day on a treadmill. LDWF Col. Joey Broussard says it’s a miracle Wheeler is doing so well.

Cut 4  (08) “thankful of”

Amethyst Baird and Jeremy Gullette have both been arrested in connection to Wheeler’s shooting. Broussard says Wheeler is already able to walk up a short flight of steps.

Cut 5  (09)  “to us”

Broussard says upon his return, Wheeler will continue outpatient rehab at Shreveport’s University Health Center. He says there has been an outpouring of support from all across the country.

Cut 6 (09) “help out”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to unveil his tax reform plan today when he meets with the Committee of 100 in Washington, D.C. President of the Council for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin, says comprehensive tax reform is needed because many of the taxes raised in la year’s special sessions will expire next year.

Cut 7 (07)  “a decade now”‘

Erwin says currently the state relies too heavily on the sales tax to bring in revenue, which has caused sales tax rates to climb over the years. He says Louisiana has the highest combined state and local sales tax in the country. But sales tax revenues fluctuate with the economy.

Cut 8 (08) “does not work”

While taxes cannot be raised in the special session that begins next week, tax changes could be made during the regular session, which is set to begin in April. Erwin expects the governor will propose lowering the sales tax and raising the income tax, which would provide a more consistent flow of tax revenue.

Cut 9 (10)  “income tax side”

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Mardi Gras season is kicking off in Washington D.C. The Mystick Krewe of Louisiana celebrates the carnival season today through Saturday in the nation’s capital. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Saturday’s ball is considered the hottest ticket in town.

Cut 10 (10) “quite unique”

The festivities take place at the Washington Hilton. Pinsonat says while the celebrations are a lot of fun, a lot of meetings take place during the day. He says corporate leaders from around the country are invited to attend economic development functions selling Louisiana.

Cut 11 (08) “DC”

Pinsonat says this is a great time for Louisiana lawmakers to have fun, because when they get back to the Bayou State, they head straight into a special legislative session on Monday with a hangover.

Cut 12 (10) “deficit”

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A Baton Rouge judge has been banned from a local restaurant after he allegedly used racial slurs against an African American woman. Kaneitra Johnson posted on Facebook about the incident, saying Judge Mike Erwin called her the n-word while arguing over a bar seat at Sammy’s on Highland Road. Louisiana NAACP President Ernest Johnson says we should expect more from our leaders, and words do matter.

Cut 13 (08) “or white”

Legal analyst Tim Meche says the Louisiana Judiciary Commission will investigate the incident, and if the allegations are proved true, Erwin will be disciplined. Meche says a similar instance occurred when a Houma judge went to a Halloween party in a blackface costume in 2004. He says that judge was suspended for a year.

Cut 14 (12) “being suspended”

Meche says this incident just propels that stereotype that old, white southern judges have racial biases. He says with these allegations brought to light, it is possible future defendants will file motions to have Judge Erwin recused.

Cut 15 (12) “other judges”

Meche says he has never known Erwin to be racist in the courtroom or in the way he spoke to defendants. He says it will take an investigation by the Judiciary Committee to get to the bottom of what happened.

Cut 16 (11) “look at”

No charges have been filed against Erwin, but the owners of Sammy’s say he is no longer welcome in any of their restaurants. Erwin has not issued a response to the incident.

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LSU’s All-SEC designated hitter Bryce Jordan will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. Coach Paul Mainieri says the injury occurred at practice as Jordan was chasing a foul ball down the left field line and felt his knee buckle. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the injury is a blow to the Tigers

Cut 17 (11)   “line-up”

The former Barbe standout was expected to bat clean-up after hitting .293 last season. Moran says Bryce Jordan would have been the perfect hitter behind LSU’s best power hitter Greg Deichman, who is slated to bat third…

Cut 18 (18) “of stuff”

Mainieri has also announced that junior right-hander Alex Lange will start on opening night against Air Force on February 17th. Moran says it’s not a big surprise, since he’s the ace of the staff…

Cut 19 (10)   “arm strength”

State and local officials attempt to get an estimate on how much damage was created by a series of tornadoes on Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man who was jailed on a probation violation was beaten to death by at least a dozen inmates. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The cleanup continues today after the Governor’s Office estimates at least 7 tornadoes touched down in southeast Louisiana on Tuesday. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says the state is very lucky that no one was killed.

Cut 3 (08) “were hit”

A total of 39 injuries were reported. Steele says damage assessment is underway in the impacted areas. He says teams are gathering data, so Louisiana can make a case for federal assistance to help those that lost everything and rebuild public infrastructure.

cut 4  (09) “those teams”

New Orleans East was the hardest hit area, but twisters also touched down in Jefferson, Livingston, Ascension, St. James, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany Parishes. Steele says shelters have been set up in New Orleans and Donaldsonville for those whose homes were destroyed.

Cut 5  (12)  “down there”

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Just one day after a tornado ravaged the town of Donaldsonville, Mayor Leroy Sullivan says residents have a lot to be thankful for. He says 15 to 20 homes inside the city limits sustained at least moderate damage, while several more were impacted outside the city, but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

Cut 6 (09) “to me”

Sullivan says cleanup and damage assessment is underway throughout the city. He says they’re hopeful the feds will be able to provide some assistance for those who lost their homes. He says many are still without power as they pick up the pieces. Entergy reports more than 18-hundred Donaldsonville residents do not have electricity yet. Sullivan asks that people stay clear of the area, as crews are working to clear debris out of the roadways.

CUT 7 (11)  “some normalcy”

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East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore addressed the thought on many people’s mind: when will the results of the federal investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling be made public? Moore says since his office recused itself early on in the case, he can’t be exactly sure but…

Cut 8 (10) “have taken”

Moore says Baton Rouge has proved itself to be a city of non-violent protests and encourages everyone, regardless of the ruling in the case, to protest peacefully when the U.S. Department of Justice announces the results its probe.

Cut 9 (11)  “that purpose”

Moore says protests are also allowed on sidewalks as long as it does not obstruct other pedestrians. He also encourages everyone to work with city officials and law enforcement to ensure all protests in the future are done peacefully and factually.

Cut 10 (10) “for months”

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An explosion near DeRidder has killed at least three and injured several others, according to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Joe Toler says authorities received a call just after 11 a.m. of an explosion at Packaging Corporation of America on U.S. 190. He says the scene has been contained and the fire is out.

cut 11 (10) “they do”

Toler says the facility was previously the Boise paper mill and PCA took over the operations in 2013. He says he is not sure the exact number of people injured in the explosion…

cut 12 (05) “air med”

Toler says authorities are working to determine what caused the explosion. He says this is an all hands on deck situation.

Cut 13 (10) “out there“

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State Police are seeking a father and son from Thibodaux in connection with a kidnapping of a Lafayette man. Trooper Jesse Lagrange says four men have already been arrested.

cut 14 (11) “the night”

Lagrange says the four men arrested range in ages 19 to 32 years old and they’ve been charged with aggravated kidnapping. The 19-year-old is from Monroe and the others are from south Louisiana. He says police are still actively seeking 45-year-old Jeffery Slack Sr. and 20-year-old Jeffery Slack Jr.

Cut 15 (08) “these subjects”

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A meeting to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline will be held tonight in Assumption Parish. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards heads to Washington D.C. again today to push for more federal flood aid. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Bayou State has once again been declared a state of emergency after tornadoes ripped through southeast Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A public meeting will be held tonight in Assumption Parish on the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which will need a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. The 163-mile oil pipeline would run from Lake Charles through the Atchafalaya Basin to St. James Parish. Anne Rolfes with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade says the Atchafalaya Basin is already suffering from too many pipelines.

cut 4  (08) “of mess”‘

Energy Transfer Partners is one of the companies involved in the pipeline. Rolfes says they’ve had 35 pipeline accidents in two years, and there’s nothing safe about that.

Cut 5  (09)  “east coast”

Supporters of the project say it will create jobs and that moving oil through a pipeline is safer than other transportation means like trains and trucks. Energy Transfer Partners Executive Vice President Joey Mahmoud says if there’s ever been a project that is by Louisiana and for Louisiana, it’s this pipeline.

Cut 6 (13) “be from Louisiana”

Mahmoud adds that pipeline construction is much more environmentally conscious than in previous years, as they take steps to ensure water flow is not interrupted by the pipe. He says Energy Transfer Partners is not as accident prone as the Bucket Brigade makes it seem because the environmental group is mischaracterizing the data.

CUT 7 (11)  “really represents”‘

The meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the Assumption Parish Public Library in Napoleonville.

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Governor John Bel Edwards travels to Washington D.C. today to push Congress for more federal flood aid. This is the governor’s 6^th trip to the nation’s capital since the August flood. Edwards says we’ve received 1.6 billion dollars in grant money so far but another two billion is necessary to get victims back in their homes..

Cut 8 (10) “Louisianans”

Edwards says as part of the two billion dollars, he’s looking to receive federal assistance to construct flood mitigation infrastructure so homes in flood zones are not forced to elevate.

Cut 9 (05)  “make sense”

Edwards says he will meet with all members of the Louisiana Congressional delegation today to discuss his ideas. He says one of his proposals is to allow flood victims to use grant money to pay off Small Business Administration loans.

Cut 10 (11) “allow it”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared yet another state of emergency in the Bayou State, as his office says at least 7 tornadoes touched down in 6 parishes on Tuesday. New Orleans East sustained the most damage, after a massive twister moved through the Crescent City around 11 a.m.  New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they were extremely lucky there was no loss of life.

cut 11 (09) “serious injuries”

The Governor’s Office estimates at least 20 people in southeast Louisiana sustained injuries, but no deaths were reported as a result of the twisters. Landrieu says shelters are available for people who lost everything, and they are still assessing how many homes and businesses were damaged.

cut 12 (09) “really devastating”

Landrieu says NOPD, along with the Louisiana National Guard, will patrol the area to prevent looting and conduct search and rescue operations. He asks that people not from the area stay away because this is not the time to sight see. He says cleanup is underway so that people can transition into recovery as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (09) “each other up”

Entergy says customers could be without power for two to three days.

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The National Weather Service is working to confirm exactly how many tornadoes touched down in Louisiana and how much damage they caused. Slidell forecaster Mike Efferson says their preliminary estimates are that 60 homes were damaged by a twister in New Orleans. He says they believe it was at least an EF2.

cut 14 (07) “New Orleans”

But he says that estimate could be upgraded as the numbers come in today. Efferson says other twisters touched down in Ascension and St. James parishes, as well as two tornadoes in Livingston Parish. He says one of the twisters went from Killian in Livingston Parish to Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish.

Cut 15 (09) “down there”

Efferson says in the days leading up to yesterday’s tornado outbreak, it didn’t even look like south Louisiana would get much rain, much less severe weather. He says they had to issue as many warnings as possible at the last minute as the severe weather threat increased.

Cut 16 (08) “hear one”