Lawmakers are looking at proposed budget cuts ahead of next week’s deficit eliminating special session. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Southeast Louisiana dealt with several tornado touchdowns today as a storm system ripped through the Deep South. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Lawmakers are looking over the Governor’s proposal to eliminate a $304 million midyear deficit, ahead of next week’s special session to debate the plan. Statewide elected officials would see budget reductions, but higher education would be spared. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s important no stone is left unturned when it comes to spending reductions, but he doesn’t want students to be impacted again.

Cut 3 (09) “looking at”

The governor’s plan also includes using $119 million in the rainy day fund to minimize cuts to state agencies. But Harris says we need to look at what the state is spending annually and address the real problem.

cut 4  (08) “and year out”

Once the special session begins on Monday, the House will begin discussions on what cuts will be made and they’ll send their plan to the Senate. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he’s not opposed to using rainy day dollars to prevent cuts that will really hit home with residents.

Cut 5  (08)  “can do that”

Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he’s glad the governor spread the cuts around in his plan, and that he did not seek any additional revenue. But he says he is concerned that Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office would take a combined almost $6 million hit.

Cut 6 (10) “his job”

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Officials in Livingston Parish say at least two tornadoes touched down in Killian today, damaging homes and injuring two people. Mark Harrell, director of the Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they know of several residences impacted:

CUT 7 (07)  “and moved”

Harrell says two people that were inside their home when the twister hit were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. He says the police chief in Killian witnessed the tornadoes with his own eyes…:

Cut 8 (09) “he watched them”

Another twister was reported in the Ascension Parish town of Donaldsonville where officials say some damage was sustained and debris widespread.
The path of damage and destruction also went through parts of New Orleans East, causing damage to homes and businesses, overturned vehicles and downed power lines and trees. This man describes what he witnessed of the tornado touchdown in New Orleans East..:

Cut 9 (07)  “freight train”

There was also damage reported at the NASA facility in the Michoud area of New Orleans. Mayor Mitch Landrieu says they are dealing with a substantial situation…:

Cut 10 (10) “yet”

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Louisiana U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy were among the 51 who voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education today. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplessis, says as a proponent of school choice and vouchers for low-income students DeVos will bring a welcomed change to the education system.

cut 11 (11) “on education”

The voucher program uses taxpayer dollars so students zoned for poorly performing schools can attend charter or private schools at cost. Duplessis says DeVos wants to provide the right opportunities for our children. She says the people who are against the appointment are entrenched in special interests.

cut 12 (12) “special interests”

One of the state’s largest teacher unions has been an opponent of school vouchers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says DeVos’ longtime support of vouchers is a concern to them.

Cut 13 (11) “public schools“

LFT President Larry Carter says DeVos lacks experience as an educator. Landon says they would prefer an Education Secretary who was a strong supporter of public schools.

cut 14 (11) “religious schools”

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There’s extensive tornado damage in New Orleans east after a large twister ripped through the area around 11 o’ clock this morning. Craig Smith was working at New Orleans East Hospital when he saw the menacing tornado…

Cut 15 (11) “down in”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has told the public not to come to New Orleans east as it’s totally shut down because of gas leaks and the large number of first responders. Smith says it’s bit of a chaotic scene…

Cut 16  (10)  “non stop”

State Senator JP Morrell is again bringing equal pay legislation before lawmakers for the upcoming session. Jeff Palermo reports..:

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LSU Student Government believes the Board of Regents’ proposed changes to the TOPS program will force students out of the state for college. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The governor has released his plan to close the state’s $304-million deficit for this fiscal year. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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State Senator JP Morrell is again bringing equal pay legislation before lawmakers for the upcoming session. The Democrat from New Orleans authored a similar bill last year that failed to make it out of a House committee. Morrell says one of the changes to this measure is that employers would be given a chance to correct a pay inequality…:

cut 4  (10) “remediate the pay”

Morrell says business groups asked him to give companies the benefit of the doubt that if they didn’t know about a pay inequality, they should change it themselves before litigation would be on the table. He says this bill also includes language that says equal pay laws should cover both women and men…:

Cut 5  (10)  “everyone should be paid equally”

Morrell says groups who support pay secrecy and don’t want transparency will oppose this bill in any posture. But he says Louisiana women make less than 70 cents per dollar that a man does, and this measure is simply about getting people paid what they are owed…:

Cut 6 (10) “those children”

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LSU Student Government believes proposed changes to the TOPS scholarship program made by the Board of Regents will have detrimental effects on students and might force some to attend schools in other states. President Zack Faircloth says one proposed change by the board is to require students to take 30 credit hours a year in order to keep the scholarship.

CUT 7 (06)  “about it”‘

Faircloth says they’ve written a two-page letter with their concerns to the board that oversees public colleges. The Board of Regents also proposed that freshman on TOPS should only have 80-percent of their tuition paid for by the state, while sophomores receive 90-percent, and juniors and seniors receive 100-percent. Faircloth says these are regressive ideas.

Cut 8 (10) “any sense”

The Board of Regents have asked for public input on their plan addressing TOPS spending and they’ll make a final recommendation later this month. Faircloth says Louisiana should be doing all it can to make sure our best students stay in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (10)  “first step”

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State Superintendent of Education John White travels to Caddo Parish to host a public meeting tonight to discuss recommendations on improving struggling schools in Shreveport. White says 15 out of 66 schools in the parish have “F” letter grades and 22 have “D” letter grades.

Cut 10 (09) “about this”

White says there are several schools under the governance of the local school board plus a charter school, Linwood Public Charter that have persistently struggled. He says a plan dealing with the future of these schools will be presented to BESE next month, so White says they want to get the public’s input on how to improve them…

cut 11 (07) “his vision”

White says this is a critical issues, because only two percent of students in Caddo Parish’s “D” and “F” rated schools receive an ACT score to be eligible for TOPS. The meeting takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport. White encourages the public to attend.

cut 12 (09) “communities first”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has unveiled his plan for resolving a $304-million midyear budget deficit. The governor’s Communications Director Richard Carbo says the proposal calls for using money from the rainy day fund, a large cut to the Department of Health’s budget, and state elected officials would also make cuts to their budgets, but…

Cut 13 (08) “and family services”

Carbo says the plan would impose the biggest cut on the Louisiana Department of Health at a $128 million budget reduction. But he says vital services for patients and hospitals that provide care for the poor would not be impacted.

cut 14 (10) “by the governor”

The governor’s deficit elimination plan will be debated in a special session that begins next week. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to using $119 million from the rainy day fund to minimize the cuts to state services. But Carbo says using the rainy day fund is a wise fiscal decision.

Cut 15 (10) “the budget”

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against the governor for not providing enough funding for Louisiana’s public defender system. Michelle Southern has more…

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Brittney Spears’ niece is reportedly in stable but critical condition after ATV accident in Tangipahoa Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two men from Cameron Parish must pay hundreds of dollars in fines for stealing over 500 alligator eggs. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 48-year-old Paul Canik and 25-year-old Christopher Trahan, both of Grand Chenier,  have been sentenced by a state judge for what they did in July of 2015.

Cut 3 (07) “that property”

Canik pled no contest to illegal possession of alligator eggs and criminal trespass, while Trahan pled no contest to not abiding by rules and regulations. Einck says Canik took the eggs illegally and Trahan helped transport them.

cut 4  (08) “from then”

Einck says Trahan was ordered to pay a $293 fine. He says Canik’s egg collection privileges have been suspended for 18 months, and he was issued a $593 fine.

Cut 5  (10)  “trailer as well”

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State Education Superintendent John White releases revised plans designed to improve public schools to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. White says one way to raise expectations is to increase the benchmarks for a school to achieve an A grade in the state’s rating system. He says right now students only have to earn “basic” scores on math and literacy tests for the school to be rated an A.

Cut 6 (11) “the ACT”

White says in addition, graduation rates for “A” schools will also have to be at 90-percent, rather than 75-percent. The Every Student Succeeds Act also requires states to show how they plan to measure student achievement as part of their grading system, and White says for the first time ever schools will be judged by how well a student improves over the course of a year.

CUT 7 (06)  “over time”

White says they hope to have these new policy changes in place by the 2017-18 school year. They will need to be approved by both BESE and the US Department of Education. He says the new federal law also provides additional dollars to help students get a well-rounded education.

Cut 8 (09) “change this”

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A class action lawsuit filed today claims Governor John Bel Edwards and the state’s public defender board are not doing enough to adequately fund public defenders. Deputy Legal Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Lisa Graybill, says the US Constitution requires that all accused be provided a suitable defense. But she says that’s not happening in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “to them”

Graybill says budgetary strains leave public defenders carrying two to five times the number of cases recommended. She says 85-percent of defendants in Louisiana are poor, and without proper counsel, they are denied advocacy during arraignments, access to evidence, and assistance with plea negotiations.

Cut 10 (11) “prison population”

The suit notes that Louisiana is the only state that relies primarily on court fees to fund public defender legal services, which includes a fee assessed against indigent defendants. Mark Cunningham, a senior partner with Jones Walker LLP, says that means public defender offices receive more funding for losing cases than winning them.

cut 11 (11) “to intercede”

The lawsuit on behalf of 13 plaintiffs seeks require the state to change its public defender system and for a monitor to be appointed to supervise the system until a new one can be implemented.

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One student has been arrested in connection with a shooting at Scotlandville High School. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says deputies received a call at around noon reporting shots fired at the school. Hicks says deputies have learned a juvenile student fired a weapon in a hallway…

cut 12 (10) “a building”

Hicks says no one was injured during the shooting. She says a detective took the juvenile into custody, along with the weapon about 10 minutes after the incident was reported to authorities.

Cut 13 (07) “school campus“

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Schools around the country are using Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine as a model for their medical curriculum. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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If you’re like most people, you’re probably sick of seeing political posts on Facebook. Halen Doughty has more on an app that takes politics off your newsfeed…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A budget deficit eliminating special session begins next week. Jeff Palermo reports we are waiting to hear how the governor proposes to cover the midyear shortfall…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tulane University’s School of Medicine has become a model for new culinary medicine courses that are being taught around the country. Executive Director of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, Dr. Tim Harlan, says they’ve been offering the courses at Tulane for about 7 years, and now other universities are following suit.

cut 4  (11) “that we do”

There’s even an international school licensed in the UK. Harlan says healthy eating is important in both preventing illnesses and coping with them, especially in cases of diabetes and heart disease. He says this program helps doctors explain nutrition and how it works in layman’s terms.

Cut 5  (12)  “can understand”

A 2014 study shows 75-percent of physicians feel undertrained in counseling patients on nutrition and diet. Harlan says for centuries, culinary medicine wasn’t part of a medical curriculum, but he thinks that will change.

Cut 6 (11) “of that”

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Are you sick of seeing political posts on Facebook? There’s an app for that.  Matt Kruse (Krew-zee) developed the app Social Fixer. He says right now it’s only available for desktop browsers, but he’s working to develop a mobile version. He says the plug in is easy to use once you download it at SocialFixer.com.

CUT 7 (09)  “in your feed”‘

Kruse says more and more Facebook users are downloading Social Fixer, as political discussions are becoming more heated on social media. He says a lot of people are getting upset with friends and family obsessively posting about politics.

Cut 8 (07) “their sanity”

Kruse says Facebook doesn’t currently allow people to filter posts by content. He says this poses a problem for people who want to see what they’re friends are doing, but not their political commentary.

Cut 9 (12)  “in your life”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to release a detailed plan today on how he would like lawmakers to address a 304-million dollar midyear budget deficit. Edwards says the plan will include cuts and money that’s available in the state’s savings account

Cut 10 (05) “rainy day fund”

If the legislature adopts Edwards proposal to use 119-million dollars from the rainy day fund that means legislators will need to make 185-million dollars in cuts to eliminate the rest of the deficit. The governor says there are areas in the budget he wants to protect

cut 11 (10) “family services”

Edwards says he’ll also ask legislators to minimize cuts to public colleges, waivers for families who care for those with developmental disabilities and hospitals who provide care for the poor and elderly

cut 12 (09) “make that happen”

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Arraignment for the man accused of killing former-NFL player Joe McKnight is today. Legal analyst Chick Foret says 55-year-old Ronald Gasser will enter a plea of not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. He says this is the first step in the criminal prosecution, and from here a hearing date and a trial date will be set.

Cut 13 (10) “the prosecutors”

Gasser’s attorneys sent a letter to the AP saying Gasser acted in self-defense. The lawyers assert that McKnight tried to open Gasser’s car door, and their client feared for his life. Foret says under Louisiana law, people do have extra protections in their vehicles, but the case won’t be that cut and dry.

cut 14 (11) “the evidence”

Gasser was originally charged with manslaughter when he was arrested on December 5, but the grand jury returned an indictment of second degree murder last week. Foret says that’s not surprising, but this case is far from over. He says there’s still a lot of unanswered questions about what happened that day in Terrytown.

Cut 15 (11) “defense team”

Saturday is World Cancer Day, and people are raising awareness about how to reduce the risk for cancer. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when next will it be New Orleans turn to get the big game? Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be featured on A&E’s “Live PD” in the coming weeks. Spokesperson Capt. Daniel Seuzeneau says given the tensions rising between law enforcement and the public, they hope this show will give people a better idea of what deputies deal with every day.

Cut 3 (11) “to embrace it” (2x)

Seuzeneau says the first show will air two to three weeks from now. He says there was some concern from the public about showing the world what happens in St. Tammany Parish, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. He says the camera crews are professionals, and so are the officers.

cut 4  (08) “crew there”

Seuzeneau says “Live PD” is similar to the long-running TV show Cops, except this is live with an 8 minute delay. He says people are used to seeing plenty of bad guys on the reality TV shows. He says while there will certainly be some of that, he expects viewers to see plenty of the good guys too.

Cut 5  (12)  “the parish”

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Saturday is World Cancer Day. Director of the Louisiana Cancer and Prevention Programs with LSU Health New Orleans, Donna Williams, says the goal of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness about cancer prevention methods. She says they want to share a very important message.

Cut 6 (08) “from cancer”

Williams says we are already winning the fight against cancer. She says before the 1930’s cervical cancer was the number one killer of women in the United States. But she says strides in the medical field have greatly reduced the risk for cervical cancer.

CUT 7 (10)  “have plummeted”

Williams says more than half of cancers can be detected early and cured. She says there’s plenty of ways people can reduce their risk for various cancers.

Cut 8 (10) “that mammogram”

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NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting its second ever Super Bowl this weekend, so when next will it be New Orleans’ turn to get the big game? Jay Cicero with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation says the Super Bowl is already awarded through 2021. He says, if New Orleans is selected to bid to host an 11th time, they would next be eligible in 2023:

Cut 9 (10)  “to New Orleans”

Cicero says they will find out if New Orleans is invited to bid on 2023 this upcoming May. 2013 was the last time the Big Easy hosted the Big game. He says they’ve made bids since that time to host the Super Bowl again, but lost to cities who have brand new amenities…:

Cut 10 (11) “facility”

Through 2021, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles will host the Super Bowl and they all have new or upgraded facilities. Cicero says other cities do a nice job, but nobody has the assets that New Orleans does, combined with the experience…:

cut 11 (10) “hotels”

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There’s a shortage of paramedics around the country, and it’s being felt in the Bayou State too. Justin Cox with Acadian Ambulance says they are short 30 paramedics, which puts a serious strain on the medics who have to fill that need. Cox says turnover for paramedics is high, because it’s a demanding job

cut 12 (08) “and mentally”

Cox says it takes roughly two years to go from zero to hero and complete a rigorous training program. Starting paramedics make about 42-thousand dollars a year. He says they are offering a 15-thousand dollar signing bonus for new hires in an effort to lure people to their industry…

Cut 13 (12) “coming up“

Cox says they’re doing everything they can to recruit more paramedics. He says they’re offering incentives for medics to come to Louisiana from neighboring states. He says they also offer tuition payment for people who complete the program and come to work.

cut 14 (09) “as well”

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It’s Cajun Groundhog Day in Acadiana, and things are done a little differently down south than in Punxsutawney. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The next time a strong tropical storm or hurricane threatens the coastal United States, the National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge watches and warnings. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Today is Groundhog Day, and that means something a little different in Acadiana. Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce says unlike our neighbors in the north, we celebrate Cajun Groundhog Day with a nutria rat. She adds that Pierre C. Shadeaux determines the weather a little differently than Punxsutawney Phil.

Cut 3 (08) “we’re sweating”

Today Pierre C. Shadeaux did not see his shadow, which means a nice spring is coming to Acadiana.  While that’s a different outcome than Punxsutawney Phil delivered this morning, Pierce says it’s much more appropriate for Acadiana, especially given the area highs will reach the mid-70s today.

cut 4  (07) “our region”

Pierce says every year they do an essay contest to ask local school children why Pierre C. Shadeaux is important to Acadiana, and the top three winners read their essays on Cajun Groundhog Day. She says it’s always a big event for the entire town, and spectators can get up close and personal with the nutria rat.

Cut 5  (10)  “up close”

Pierce says this is the 19^th year the Daily Iberian has celebrated Cajun Groundhog Day with Pierre C. Shadeaux.

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Newly elected Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announces new policies aimed towards preventing unnecessary lethal force by police officers. Broome says these changes to the department’s use of force policy stem from last July’s officer involved shooting of Alton Sterling.

Cut 6 (12) “when possible”

Broome says officers are also prohibited from shooting at a moving vehicle unless the vehicle or people inside pose an immediate threat to others. She says many of these methods are taught to police officers at the academy….

CUT 7 (10)  “accountability” 

There is speculation that Broome will replace Police Chief Carl Dabadie. But Broome says she’s not ready to make a change with the current leader of the police force.

Cut 8 (10) “a resolution”  

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A Lake Charles doctor has created a new FDA-approved pain relief cream. Dr. Craig Morton has been treating patients at the Center for Orthopedics for years and says many of his patients have been using more than one pain relief cream. He says that’s why he teamed up with chemists to develop Aculeve.

Cut 9 (12)  “works the best”

Dr. Morton says his only options for many patients were medication or injections, which can often lead to side effects. He says Aculeve combines the ingredients that work best without the added risks to the liver and kidneys. He says the cream is available at his clinic or online at Aculeve.com, and patients can get it without a prescription.

Cut 10 (08) “to get”

Dr. Morton says he’s gotten great responses from the patients who have tried Aculeve. He says the cream can be applied directly where the pain is located or where tissue is swollen. He adds that it can be used as needed.

cut 11 (09) “the most”

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The National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge watches and warnings during the 2017 hurricane season, which will be a first. Storm Surge Specialist Jamie Rhome says the amount of water that a named storm can push into a coastal area can be as destructive and deadly as damaging winds

cut 12 (10) “appropriate action”

A storm surge watch will be issued when there’s the possibility of life-threatening rising water moving inland within 48 hours. Rhome says a storm surge warning will be called when the danger of deadly   rising water will take place in the next 36 hours…

Cut 13 (09) “an area“

Rhome says the storm surge watch and warnings will be tailored to the specific locations at risk from life-threatening storm surge flooding…

cut 14 (08) “handle that”

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60-percent of employees have reported pressure in the workplace has increased over the past five years, according to an Accoutemps survey. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says an unattended pot on a stove top led to the fire that took the life of a 5-year-old in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Bossier City couple is behind bars after police say their children tested positive for drugs. Mark Natale with Bossier Police says Child Protective Services launched an investigation into a child abuse complaint involving 35-year-old Shannon Blake and 30-year-old Victoria Blake. He says CPS tested all five of the couple’s children.

Cut 3 (08) “their systems”

Natale says not all of the children had tested for both marijuana and cocaine, but all had at least one in their systems. He says the children’s ages range from 6 months to 10-years-old.

cut 4  (05) “those narcotics”

Natale says both of the parents have been charged with five counts of cruelty to a juvenile.

Cut 5  (07)  “maximum security facility”

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A survey by Accountemps finds six in ten employees believe stress in the workplace has increased over the last five years. The study also found that 55-percent of those surveyed say worker anxiety is on the rise. Rebecca Green, with the employment agency Robert Half in New Orleans, says technology has put more of a burden on workers.

Cut 6 (07) “at least”

Green says the survey also finds 54-percent of CFO’s are aware that their employees are stressed. She says she wasn’t surprised to see stress levels this high with employees.

CUT 7 (07)  “at work” 

According to the survey, 64-percent of employees from 18 to 34 are more stressed about work compared to 59-percent of workers 35 to 54. Green attributes this to younger people’s desire to grow and move up in the company.

Cut 8 (10) “supervisor sets”  

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office believes an unattended pot left on a stove top led to a fatal fire at a Baton Rouge apartment complex that killed a 5-year-old girl. Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says an 18-year-old was caring for her sister, Treasure Garner, when she tried to cook fried chicken and left the apartment with a pot of grease on the stove. He says she returned to find the apartment filled with smoke, and there was a frantic attempt to rescue the little girl from the burning home.

Cut 9 (12)  “upstairs bedroom”

Thompson says they are still trying to determine how long the 18-year-old was out of the apartment. He says the girl was missing for some time, as first responders tried to determine if Treasure had escaped. He says fire fighters eventually quelled the flames enough to enter the residence and found Treasure dead in a bedroom.

Cut 10 (12) “the fire”

At least 10 units were damaged in the fire, but Thompson says the investigation is still ongoing into the extent of the damage. He says several other people in the complex were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

cut 11 (10) “the blaze”

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It’s been a great national signing day for LSU, and as expected it looks like they will have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one of the biggest gets of the day is Houston five-star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson…:

cut 12 (13) “out of Plaqumine”

Worsham says LSU’s 2017 recruiting class has a chance at easily finishing in the top 5…:

Cut 13 (10) “Ed Orgeron’s done“

Worsham says one of the big items of note about this class is that it’s really strong defensively….:

cut 14 (09) “somebody else”

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The Tax Foundation released data on which state imposes the highest combined state and local sales taxes and Louisiana comes in first at 9.98-percent. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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Operation We Care has shipped 300 king cakes overseas to soldiers to celebrate Mardi Gras. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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14 individuals have been arrested after an extensive burglary investigation by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Capt. Tommy Carnline says each time a search warrant was conducted, it led detectives to find more information or the recovery of stolen property. He says the suspects were part of what seems to be a huge burglary ring.

cut 4  (09) “big ring”

Carnline says three additional suspects are still wanted. He says this group of people burglarized at least six locations, where a variety of items were stolen, including body armor.

Cut 5  (10)  “into cash”

Carnline says some of these burglaries started back in the fall, but the bigger break ins took place in January.

Cut 6 (09) “recover them”

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The Tax Foundation releases data on what each state imposes when it comes to state and local sales taxes, and Louisiana leads the nation with a rate of 9.98-percent. Vice President for State Projects Joe Henchman says having a high rate is okay for states if it’s managed well and residents can afford it. But he says that’s not the case in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (10)  “of complexity”‘

Louisiana is facing a 304 million dollar budget deficit and Henchman says the Tax Foundation has recommendations for state lawmakers to fix problems with its tax system. He says the rate is so high because what the tax applies to is so narrow…

Cut 8 (11) “everything else”

Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Washington are ranked behind Louisiana in the top five. Henchman says Louisiana certainly deserves its number one ranking.

Cut 9 (10)  “this point”

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The group, Operation We Care out of St. Tammany Parish, has shipped 300 red, white and blue king cakes to U.S. soldiers overseas to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public Relations Director Colleen Smith says these cakes were specially made by Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in Slidell for the troops. She says it’s all about putting a smile on the soldiers’ faces.

Cut 10 (10) “very happy”

Smith says names of soldiers are gathered by Louisiana people, so typically most soldiers who receive a cake are from the state, but anyone from anywhere can receive a king cake.

cut 11 (10) “like that”

Operation We Care has been sending troops king cakes for 14 years. Smith says they chose to send the red, white and blue cakes rather than traditional Mardi Gras colors to be a little more special and patriotic. She says they are able to send the soldiers these packages strictly though donations.

cut 12 (09) “for us”

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President Donald Trump nominates federal appellate judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado to the Supreme Court. Several Democrats have said they will try and block Trump’s nominee from U.S. Senate confirmation. Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana is disappointed Democrats started voicing their concerns, before they knew who the nominee would be

Cut 13 (11) “gonna be”

Senate Democrats have already been slow to confirm many of Mr. Trump’s picks for cabinet secretaries. Scalise points out that most of former President Barack Obama’s cabinet scretaries were already confirmed during his first week in office…

cut 14 (06) “to do”

Meanwhile on the House side, Scalise says legislators are set to pass bills this week to bring jobs back to America…

Cut 15 (12) “moving again”

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It’s national signing day and the LSU Tigers hope to secure a top five recruiting class. Several top recruits have yet to publicly say where they’ll play college football, including Marvin Wilson, the nation’s number one defensive tackle. Sonny Shipp with Geaux  24-7 says Wilson is also very interested in Florida State, but LSU might have an edge over the Seminoles for the Texas product

Cut 16 (12) “trek”

LSU enters national signing day with the sixth best recruiting class in the country, according to 24-7. Shipp says highlighting the class are two quarterbacks, Lowell Narcisse from St. James and Myles Brennan of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Shipp says the class also contains five-star defensive back JaCoby Stevens

Cut 17 (11)   “this class”

LSU also needs to sign linebackers and they hop to get a couple of them to sign today. He says they already have a verbal pledge from the country’s top inside linebacker Jacob Phillips

Cut 18 (10) “beef inside”

Several Republican lawmakers have voiced their opposition to using money from the Rainy Day Fund to solve a 304 million dollar budget shortfall and there is at least one democrat who supports that, as well. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver says revenue will begin to increase soon as the state’s economy is improving as a result of rising oil prices.
cut 10 (10) “…experts says”

Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016 and it shows a significant increase. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 104 cases of human trafficking were called in last year, compared to 75 in 2015. State Police Col Mike Edmonson credits a strong awareness campaign…:
cut 12 (09) “listen to us”

 
Although many main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls show quite a bit of support for the executive order. A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans.
Cut 3 (09) “the policy”

Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on a new power plant that the company says will save customers one-point-three-billion dollars over the next 30 years, because it will be able to more efficiently produce electricity. Spokesperson Michael Burns says the power station will also produce jobs…
cut 7 (10) “….the plant”

Burns says they expect the plant to begin running in 2019.

Many Republican state lawmakers do not want to use the Rainy Day Fund to solve the 304 million dollar budget deficit and there is also a Democrat opposed to it, as well. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016, and it shows a significant increase. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Although most main stream media outlets have produced critical reports of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, multiple polls released show quite a bit of support for the executive order. A survey from the University of Quinnipiac finds between 42 and 48-percent of people support the order. LSU Political Communications Chair Martin Johnson says he expected this, especially with Louisianans.

Cut 3 (09) “the policy”

Johnson believes a lot of the outcry comes from how quickly the ban was issued bringing a lot of confusion. A survey by Rasmussen finds 57-percent of people polled support the ban but Johnson says that poll is skewed because they only call landlines.

cut 4  (08) “you have”

Johnson says Rasmussen also finds voters support President Donald Trump at over 50-percent and every other survey that calls cell phones finds Trump has about a 43-percent approval rating.

Cut 5  (05)  “his policies”

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Entergy Louisiana broke ground today on an 869-million dollar power plant in St. Charles Parish. Michael Burns with Entergy says this new power station will provide Louisianans with affordable and reliable electricity. He says it will be one of the cleanest and most efficient natural gas plants.

Cut 6 (10) “for customers”

And Burns says over the next 30 years, customer savings will total 1.3 billion dollars. He also says the power plant will produce jobs.

CUT 7 (10)  “the plant” 

Burns says the plant will begin operations in June of 2019. He says this power station is an excellent example of Entergy’s commitment of modern facilities and customer service.

Cut 8 (08) “generation fleet”  

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Several Republicans in the state legislature have voiced opposition into using money from the Rainy Day Fund to solve a 304 million dollar budget deficit, but there is at least one Democrat who also opposed it. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver told News Radio 7-10 KEEL that there are other days to eliminate the shortfall without tapping into this fund.

Cut 9 (06)  “that money”

Tarver says even though the Rainy Day Fund was used multiple times during the Jindal administration, we’re not as desperate now, because there are signs the state’s economy is improving as a result of rising oil prices.

Cut 10 (10) “experts says”

A special session will likely begin on February 13^th to address the budget shortfall. Governor Edwards is recommending a combination of cuts and Rainy Day dollars to eliminate the deficit. Tarver says he wants to avoid cuts to public education but there are other areas of the budget that could be cut.

cut 11 (09) “these credits”

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Case data has recently been released on the number of human trafficking reports received in Louisiana in 2016 and it shows a significant increase. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 104 cases of human trafficking were called in last year, compared to 75 in 2015. State Police Col Mike Edmonson credits a strong awareness campaign…:

cut 12 (09) “listen to us”

Louisiana ranked 20th in the nation for the most human trafficking cases reported in 2016. California topped the list with 1323 calls last year. Edmonson says getting victims to come forward begins with compassion and not treating them like criminals…:

Cut 13 (08) “the things you’re doing “

The Polaris data indicates that more victims than ever are reaching out for help. Of the more than 100 cases reported in Louisiana last year, 74 were cases of sex trafficking and 21 of labor trafficking. Edmonson says he’s talked to victims who felt like this was the only life that they were going to ever have…:

cut 14 (09) “somebody else”