LSU’s new men’s basketball coach is Will Wade. Jeff Palermo tells us more about the 34-year-old who leaves VCU after two seasons…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Housing Corporation launches the Housing Heroes initiative to get flood victims into affordable rental housing. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…

Cut 3 (11) “get a kid”

wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he compiled a 67-percent winning percentage. Worsham says Wade is a solid hire for LSU…

Cut 4  (12) “land him”

It’s been reported Wade agreed to a six-year deal. Worsham says the Clemson grad has a reputation as someone who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball..

Cut 5  (08)  “10 years”

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Two suspects are in critical condition in the case of an apparent robbery in which a Breaux Bridge homeowner shot the men as they were trying to enter the residence armed with a gun. Major Ginny Higgins, with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, says one of the suspect’s rang the doorbell of the resident’s home around 3am this morning…:

Cut 6 (08) “both suspects”

The suspects are identified as 26 year old Joseph Broussard of Morse and 31-year-old Drewe Schexnider of Kaplan.  Higgins says it’s unclear what the suspects intentions were, but the two were apparently involved in a similar crime a few hours earlier…:

Cut 7 (05)  “yesterday evening”

Higgins says it appears at this time to be a justified shooting, but the incident is still under investigation. She says both of the suspects were shot by the homeowner…:

Cut 8 (08) “hospital”

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Property owners in Louisiana are stepping up to help flood victims struggling to recover from the March and August floods. The Housing Heroes initiative launched by the Louisiana Housing Corporation calls on landlords to make their rental units affordable for those still in need of housing. Governor John Bel Edwards says this statewide effort is critically important to families around the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “median income”

LHC says the homelessness population in Louisiana doubled after the floods, and this program seeks to use available resources to get that rate back down. Edwards says renters make up 35-percent of the state’s population, and one in four flood victims are renters. He says federal dollars will be available to help these people get back into rental properties.

Cut 10 (08) “to recover”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development says there are 373 flood victims still staying in hotels and an additional 45-thousand living with friends and relatives. Manager of Fairway View Apartments in Baton Rouge, Charmaine Roddy, says they opened 45 units to flood victims in August. She says they did what they could to make the units as affordable as possible.

Cut 11 (09) “rent free”

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Today is Ag Day — one to celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture; and recognize the contribution of the industry in our everyday lives. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says today is also a celebration of the fact that, out of the entire industrialized world, we enjoy the lowest cost of food..:

Cut 12 (06) “every day”

Strain says, given the historic floods in March and August, 2016 was a difficult year for many farms across the state — both large and small. He says all one would have to do is travel to a foreign country that doesn’t have enough food to truly appreciate what the agriculture industry means…:

Cut 13 (07) “successful”

Strain says farmers do important work to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging. He says farmers are eternal optimists…:

Cut 14 (10) “bountiful harvest”

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A state law limits the search for the new State Police superintendent, as Col. Mike Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Jeff Palermo has more on the restriction…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The confirmation hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nomination are underway in the nation’s capital and he has the support of U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana residents would be able to concealed carry a firearm without a permit, under a proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The head of State Police, Col. Mike Edmonson retires this week, but a state law narrows the search for his permanent replacement. A statute requires the next superintendent to be a commissioned State Police officer who graduated from the LSP academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche says a nationwide search should be conducted.

Cut 4  (10) “in Louisiana”

Governor Edwards is expected to announce the interim head of LSP this week as Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Once an interim replacement is named, Edwards is expected to begin the process of finding a full time leader. Goyeneche hopes a measure could be filed for the upcoming legislative session to give the governor permission to seek someone outside of Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “state police”

Edmonson announced his retirement last week as the agency is facing multiple investigations looking into a travel scandal. Goyeneche says the LSP could really use a fresh voice and a fresh face to change the culture.

Cut 6 (10) “organization”

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Confirmation hearings are underway for President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch. U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports the president’s pick and says Gorsuch is especially qualified to be a justice. He says he’s read a number of Gorsuch’s opinions on cases he’s ruled on as a federal appeals judge, and it’s apparent he is extremely intelligent.

Cut 7 (12)  “the law”

Democrats are pushing back against Gorsuch because of his conservative stance on social issues. But Kennedy says Gorsuch genuinely cares about each case he tries and the individuals involved.

Cut 8 (10) “like that”

Kennedy says Gorsuch supports the separation of power and understands the role of this position as a check on the legislative and executive branches. He says Judge Gorsuch has shown a desire to rule fairly and fight for his view of justice.

Cut 9 (07)  “that person”

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Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is once again bringing back his proposal to the legislature that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. He says the Constitution guarantees our right to carry guns, and it doesn’t dictate how they should be carried.

Cut 10 (10) “to choose”

This is the third time Ivey has proposed similar legislation. Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards. For instance, to receive a permit to carry a concealed firearm, a resident must take a safety course. But Ivy argues gun owners should always be responsible, no matter how they possess a firearm.

Cut 11 (11) “proper training”

Ivey adds that prohibited persons like convicted felons would still be barred from carrying under his proposal. He says this bill is part of a larger national movement towards constitutional carrying, and other states already have similar laws on the books.

Cut 12 (10) “constitutional carry states”

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A state audit examining a missing 22-thousand dollars in student activity funds from West Ridge Middle School in West Monroe has been turned over to law enforcement. Roger Harris with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says over 11-thousand dollars was collected from eighth graders between 2013 and 2014 for a trip to Disney World. He says there was one teacher in charge of collecting the money for the trip, Jodie Dean.

Cut 13 (09) “that regard”

Harris says there’s also another 10-thousand dollars in unaccounted money that never made it to the bank. The school’s bookkeeper, Stacey Rogers, was responsible for making deposits and keeping records of the funds. He says they’re still trying to piece together what may have happened to the money.

Cut 14 (10) “took place”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into whether criminal charges are warranted. Ouachita Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Don Coker says it’s always concerning if there’s a misappropriation of money at a school because these are taxpayer dollars.

Cut 15 (10) “has gone on”

Coker says this incident occurred several years ago, and they’ve taken steps to ensure the school’s spending has been monitored. He says the school board holds its employees to a very high standard, and they’re trying to do what’s right.

Cut 16 (07) “are responsible”

Reportedly, Dean has been placed on administrative leave, and Rogers has since retired. OPSO did not issue a comment on the audit, but a spokesperson says their investigation is ongoing.

The man accused in the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy was wanted for questioning in the rape of a teen. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As of 5:29 this morning, spring has officially sprung in the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has more on the spring forecast…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Spring is officially in the air, as the season kicked off at 5:29 this morning with the onset of the vernal equinox. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a hot and wet spring for Louisiana. He says that’s because of neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

Cut 3 (10) “three months”

Keim says this means the chances of another freeze in the Bayou State are very low, and we can expect an early start to the growing season. He says we’ve been in warm conditions throughout the winter, and the wet spring weather has already started.

Cut 4  (06) “to continue”

Keim says it’s not unprecedented for Louisiana to see a cold front in April or even May. But he says it likely won’t bring the same freezing temperatures we saw last month. He doesn’t expect the cold fronts to get that cold.

Cut 5  (08)  “has to offer”

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Authorities say the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty was the epitome of public service. Police say 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson was fatally shot Saturday night after he encountered a rape suspect at a barber shop. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says Sgt. Anderson exemplified everything a law enforcement officer should be. She says he was a true public servant who did whatever needed to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “of the road”

Hicks says the loss of Sgt. Anderson is devastating, only 8 months after Deputy Brad Garafola was killed and Deputy Nick Tullier was injured in an ambush last July. She says before that, it’d been 30 years since an East Baton Rouge deputy was killed in the line of duty in such a manner.

Cut 7 (09)  “for everyone”

Hicks says the outpouring of support from the public and law enforcement has been incredible. She says making sure the family of Sgt. Anderson has what they need is their top priority right now. She says Sheriff Sid Gautreaux was at the hospital with the family throughout the night.

Cut 8 (10) “get through this”

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State Police has identified the suspect accused in the shooting death of Sgt. Shawn Anderson with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office. Trooper Bryan Lee says 30-year-old Brandon Wiley is still in critical condition as he was also injured in the incident. Lee says Anderson was conducting a rape investigation with another deputy at a hair salon.:

Cut 9 (09)  “shots were fired”

According to authorities, Wiley was wanted for questioning in regards to the rape allegations made by a 15-year-old girl. He was remotely booked by EBRSO on the initial charges: first-degree rape, resisting an officer and with tattooing and body piercing of minors. Lee says Wiley has not been arrested yet in connection with the murder of Anderson…:

Cut 10 (09) “from there”

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The latest U.S. Censes report on income finds 44-percet of children under the age of 5 in New Orleans, are living in poverty. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that’s a very concerning number. He says we’ve seen statistics like this for a while.

Cut 11 (09) “a trend”

Rigamer says living in extreme poverty makes it difficult for these children to get ahead in life. He says this is a daunting problem everyone tries to address but more can be done.

Cut 12 (08) “educational facilities”

Rigamer says the median income for a household in Orleans Parish is very low, in the upper 30-thousands. He says focusing on improving education could help put an end to young children living in poverty.

Cut 13 (10) “good jobs”

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A north Louisiana lawmaker believes he has the solution to Louisiana’s ongoing midyear budget cuts. Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin says the Revenue Estimating Conference consistently overestimates how much money the state will bring in, which leads to midyear cuts every year.

Cut 14 (10) “the reduction”

Fannin says he plans to propose a bill in the upcoming fiscal session to limit the amount of money the state budgets each year. He says the plan would limit lawmakers to using only 98-percent of the revenue forecast by the REC. He says that way if they come up short, midyear cuts wouldn’t be necessary.

Cut 15 (08) “with excess”

Fannin says if the state reaches the estimate three years in a row, they could go back to budgeting 100-percent of the funds. He says he proposed a similar idea under former-Governor Bobby Jindal, but it didn’t gain much traction. He says Governor John Bel Edwards supports the plan. But he doesn’t expect everyone in the legislature to back the bill.

Cut 16  (10)  “discussion about it”

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Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

______________________________________

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

_________________________________________________________

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

___________________________________________

The sixth ranked LSU baseball team finished off a sweep of Georgia with 7-6 win on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium. Kramer Robertson drove in four runs and Greg Deichmann and drove in two runs. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight in six innings to improve his record to 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri on the team’s 16th win of the season…

Cut 18 (19) “our winning”

Georgia pitchers hit 12 LSU batters during the three-game series. But the Tigers scored 34 runs and  Mainieri says anytime you can sweep a team in the SEC, you have to be happy…

Cut 19 (19)   “scoring”

Caleb Gilbert earned the save, but the Tigers also got two good innings out of relief pitcher Matthew Beck. Mainieri likes what he sees from the Alexandria native…

Cut 20 (17)   “we can count on”

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the murder trial of a law enforcement officer accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The state is taking new bids from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Governor Edwards hopes to revamp the Louisiana tax system in the upcoming legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana expands their KIDLINE services to 24 hours a day. The hotline services parents, victims of child abuse, and others who need a listening ear. PCA Louisiana Executive Director Amanda Brunson says a grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement provided dollars to have counselors available around the clock.

Cut 4  (09) “chat online”

Brunson says the hotline offers confidential emotional support, information on child development, and positive discipline tips.

Cut 5  (09)  “and resources”

Brunson says the KIDLINE also connects families to local counselors and community services. She says that includes help meeting basic needs with resources like food banks and local shelters.

Cut 6 (07) “appropriately”

The 24 hour hotline is 1-800-CHILDREN, and counselors can be reached via text at 225-424-1533. She says counselors are also available for web chat at pcal.org/kidline. Calls to report child abuse should be made to law enforcement.

______________________________________

Opening arguments in the Derrick Stafford trial are set for 9 a.m. in Marksville. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified

Cut 7 (05)  “deadly force”

The shooting happened in November of 2015. Stafford and deputy marshal Norris Greenhouse Junior chased a vehicle driven by Christopher Few. The chase stopped at the end of a dead-end street and Few and his six-year-old autistic child were shot. The boy was fatally struck. It took five days for 12 jurors and two alternates to be selected and Ciolino says it will be an emotional trial…

Cut 8 (09) “circumstances”

The defense is expected to argue there was another shooter involved, possibly with testimony from experts and video simulation. Legal analyst Bryan Jeansonne says how it’s presented will make a difference.

Cut 9 (08)  “lose interest”

_________________________________________________________

The Office of Community Development is seeking new offers from companies that want to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says there won’t be any delay in getting assistance to those who need it. She says they’re reopening the bidding process because they weren’t pleased with the initial offers.

Cut 10 (09) “best cost”

Payer says they will expedite this second round of bidding, and she’s confident a contractor will be in place in a month. As of right now, the federal government has yet to give the state access to the federal dollars made available for homeowners, so the only delay is in Washington.

Cut 11 (10) “opened up yet”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing the state is reopening the bidding process to find a new administer for the program. He says it’s just another delay and it’s frustrating because Congress approved one-point-six billion dollars last year…

Cut 12 (09) “out the door”

A program manager is needed to dole out money to homeowners and arrange state contractors to repair homes. Even though Louisiana has a Democratic governor, the Republic Congressman says this isn’t about politics, it’s about helping those that were affected by the flood.

Cut 13 (09) “people are in”

_________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.

Cut 14 (10) “pay something”

Ward says the plan to eliminate more corporate tax breaks is a much more fair approach.

Cut 15 (04) “right now” 

But Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is skeptical of Governor Edwards attempt at tax reform. He’s concerned that with the state searching for more dollars, higher taxes will be proposed when legislators meet in April.

Cut 16 (09) “gas tax”

Seabaugh also says if the state cuts exemptions and credits that businesses currently benefit from, then that will hurt economic development efforts…

Cut 17 (08)  “for everybody”

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”

_________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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”

___________________________________________

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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