Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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he state health department provides two different scenarios on what could happen if additional revenue is not found to fill the state’s 750-million dollar budget shortfall this year. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Monroe man who shot a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent has been sentenced to life in prison. Emelie Gunn has more on the sentencing…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Maness placed third in 2014′s US Senate primary election behind incumbent Mary Landrieu and eventual winner Bill Cassidy. He says he joined the field to answer a call by the people of the state…

cut 4  (12)  “for us again”

He joins four other Republicans who are seeking Senator David Vitter’s seat. Maness is a 32-year veteran of the Air Force who has never held political office. He says Washington, D.C. will never fix itself from the inside…

Cut 5  (10)  “from the outside”

He says what sets him apart from the other candidates in this race is that he is a military veteran and not a career politician. Maness says, in order to make true change in Washington, we’ve got to to alter the status quo and elect people who haven’t been part of the system…

Cut 6 (11)  “Mike Lee did” 

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The department of health and hospitals lays out two different scenarios on what would happen if its forced to take a 131-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says under the first option, they would reduce spending by 119-million dollars to hospitals that are operated by both the state and a private company

CUT 7 (11)  “of the state”

Reynolds says under the second scenario they would eliminate funding for certain Medicaid programs, like hospice, long-term personal care and services that help those with developmental disabilities

Cut 8  (08)  “aging population”

Reynolds says these options are worst-case scenarios and the hope is that they will not be implemented, but they’ll have to wait and see what happens in next month’s special session…

Cut 9 (08)  “without a deficit”

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A Monroe man has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. 29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says last May Hust shot Sgt. Scott Bullitt during a basic vehicle stop after suspecting drugs or alcohol…

Cut 10 (10) “that night” 

Einck says Hust has been a lifelong criminal and he doesn’t need to be on the streets. He says they’re very happy that the judge and the prosecutors were able to get Hust locked up for the maximum time possible.

cut 11 (08) innocent people”

Sgt. Bullitt hasn’t returned to duty and is still rehabbing. Ouachita Parish District Attorney Jerry Jones says Hust showed no remorse…

cut 12 (11) “wheelchair”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s taking over the appeal of a ruling that blocked Louisiana’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. The case is left over from the Jindal administration. Landry says the cancellation of Medicaid contracts for Planned Parenthood was put in place by DHH because of the appalling acts in which the organization was involved…:

Cut 13 (09)  “going to”

Planned Parenthood denies accusations put forth in videos by an anti-abortion group that show its system leaders illegally selling fetal tissue. A federal judge ordered Louisiana to continue funding the health services Planned Parenthood provides. Landry says the issue before the court now is whether or not DHH is allowed to cancel a contract…:

Cut 14 (10) “these types of contracts”

Landry says, as AG, he has the Constitutional authority to defend all legal issues in state government. He says it’s in the best interest of taxpayers to protect the integrity of our Medicaid program by pursuing this appeal…:

Cut 15  (08) “that we took”

40% of households in Louisiana are considered in poverty and can’t afford day-to-needs according to a new report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he understands an increase to the state’s sales tax is not popular, but feels it is needed to avoid major cuts to state government. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has tapped former state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham to direct Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites. Barham will officially start his new job Monday. Barham says, despite the current budget crisis, taking care of state parks is very important as over a million and a half people visited them in 2015…

CUT 3 (06)  “we’re excited”

Louisiana’s 23 state parks and 19 historic sites have seen tremendous budget cuts in recent years. Lt. Governor Nungesser says funding for state parks has been reduced by 50-percent in the past seven years. Barham says this makes his new job challenging, but he’ll work to maximize the funding he gets…

CUT 4 (10)  “we have”

State parks are facing issues like layoffs, pool closures, and deferred maintenance, while some historic sites are closed with no plans to reopen. Barham says there are some great people already in the state park system who are determined to make it great…

CUT 5 (10)  “it to be”

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40% of households in Louisiana are considered in poverty and struggle to afford day-to-day needs, according to a new report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways. President and CEO Sarah Berthelot says these more than 695,000 homes in the state are nicknamed ALICE. She says 19% of Louisiana families live in poverty, according to the US level…:

CUT 6 (10) “basic cost of living”

ALICE refers to a group of families and individuals who work low-paying jobs and have little or no savings. Berthelot says ALICE families play a critical role in keeping Louisiana’s economic engine running, but they aren’t always sure that they can put food on their own tables. She says the scale of the struggle is alarming…:

CUT 7 (10) “potential crisis”

To download the report that provides parish-by-parish and town-level data, go to www.launitedway.org. Berthelot says basic needs are considered housing, child care, food, transportation, medical care and taxes. She says they hope the study can serve as a vital tool…:

CUT 8 (10) “legislative session”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he understands an increase to the state’s sales tax is not popular, but feels it is needed to avoid major cuts to state government. Edwards says with a $750 million budget shortfall for this fiscal year and $1.9 billion next fiscal year, they have very few options to stabilize the budget…

CUT 9 (12)  “going forward”

He says a special legislative session will begin February 14th to deal with the budget crisis. Edwards says there are immediate and acute funding shortfalls that the proposed one cent increase to the state’s sales tax would address…

cut 10 (08)  “shared prosperity”

The Governor describes the tax increase as a bridge to get the state to a new, more stable tax structure. He says voters will have an opportunity in the future to repeal the tax hike in favor of a new income tax structure. Edwards believes the budget crisis is so bad that new revenue is necessary to fix it…

Cut 11 (10) “Louisianians first”

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The contained burn chamber that will be used to dispose of 16 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Natchitoches on February 6^th. Col. Pete Schneider with the Louisiana National Guard says once the burn chamber begins its four day journey from the port, it will arrive at Camp Minden on February 12th^th…

cut 12 (10) “receiving it”

The burn chamber was constructed in Oklahoma and the only other chamber like it is in Denmark. Schneider says the chamber is currently traveling on the Mississippi River and will make its way to Camp Minden beginning February 8^th.

cut 13 (07)  “Camp Minden”

Schneider says the chamber is about 180 feet long by 27.5 feet wide and weighs more than 400-thousand pounds. He says it will be loaded onto a vehicle to be transported….

cut 14 (10)  “Camp Minden”

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The LHSAA convention gets underway today and the big topic is what to do with the high school football playoffs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The deadline to register to vote in Louisiana’s upcoming presidential preference primary is one week from today. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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State labor officials say Louisiana’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.2 percent in December 2014 to 6.1 percent last December. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A format for the prep football playoffs will be voted on at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association convention, which kicks off in Baton Rouge today. LHSAA president Vic Bonnaffee of Central Catholic says there’s great uncertainty, after it was determined the association didn’t follow the correct procedures to split the playoffs between public and private schools in 2013

cut 4  (09)  “major issues”

The LHSAA is also dealing with pay issues for officials and attendance boundaries to determine eligibility. But how the football playoffs will be structured is the big issue. Bonnaffee says discussion ramps up today as principals and coaches try to reach a consensus before a vote on Friday

Cut 5  (04)  “go on”

Bonnaffee doesn’t see the principals agreeing to go back to the old format, where there were five championships. He says most schools like the split playoffs, but whether it will be public-private split or a proposal to separate  rural and metro schools will be determined over the next three days….

Cut 6 (09)  “have a direction” 

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The deadline to register to vote in Louisiana’s upcoming presidential preference primary is one week from today. The primary election is March 5th. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this is Louisiana’s only closed primary…

CUT 7 (10)  “holds true”

In the closed primary, Democratic voters are only allowed to vote for Democratic presdential candidates and Republican voters for Republicans. Schedler says registered independent voters are not allowed to take part in the closed presidential primary…

Cut 8  (07)  “for that purpose”

He says you can register or change your party affiliation at your local registrar of voters office or online at geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says some portions of the state will have more than the presidential preference primary on their ballot…

Cut 9 (08)  “participate in”

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association’s annual meeting begins today at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles. Vice President Gifford Briggs says the market shifted drastically in 2015, and it’s critical industry professionals stay informed. He says they are optimistic the sharp cut in the price of oil will rebound…:

Cut 10 (10) “time will tell” 

Speakers Thursday include Governor John Bel Edwards, State Treasurer John Kennedy and Congressman Charles Boustany. Briggs said they look forward to hearing from Edwards on the proposals issued as ways to plug the state’s $750 million dollar budget hole…:

cut 11 (10) “details from him”

Briggs said presenters will also give the industry perspective on what it will take to keep Louisiana’s oil and gas sector relevant for the future. He says the Edwards Administration’s proposals include raising taxes on oil and gas businesses, which combined with low oil prices makes their industry situation even more dire..:

cut 12 (10) “has to say”

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New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent in December. Executive Director for the Louisiana Workforce Commission Ava Dejoie says despite a decline in oil prices and a loss of jobs in that industry, the state still had an overall positive job growth because of increased employment in education and health services.

Cut 13 (05)  “ending 2015”

Dejoie says they’re working hard to get those who lost their jobs in the oil industry quickly placed into new positions. She anticipates jobs in that sector will start coming back when prices begin to rise.

Cut 14 (11) “that storm”

Dejoie says we only lost 100 jobs in the mining sector, which includes the oil industry in December, but other areas of employment are feeling the impact of low oil prices.

Cut 15  (09) “gas industry”

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A federal judge in Baton Rouge strikes down a Louisiana law that required abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says  US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on this very same case in March

Cut 16  (08)  “out of Texas”

Supporters of this law say it’s intended to protect women’s health, while opponents say it will make it very difficult to get an abortion in Louisiana. Ciolino says the nation’s highest court will likely rule on this matter later this year…

Cut 17 (04) “with the issue”

Ciolino says it’s expected Judge John deGravelles will issue a permanent injunction against Louisiana’s abortion law. He says the state will likely appeal the federal’s court decision, but those appeals won’t go far

Cut 18 (09) “for all”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A north Louisiana 1970s children’s TV personality has been arrested of allegedly having sexual conduct with children. Emelie Gunn has more on “Mr. Wonder.”

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Kennedy says the reason he’s throwing his hat in the ring is because he wants his country back. Kennedy feels the country is straying from the conservative values that were taught to him by his parents…

CUT 3 (10)  “losing those values”

The seat is being vacated by Senator David Vitter at the end of his current term. Kennedy plans to emphasize business and education if elected to the Senate. He feels that today’s children could be the first generation of Americans to be worse off than their parents…

CUT 4 (08)  “United States Senate”

Fellow Republicans, Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, and former Congressman Joseph Cao (gow) have also declared their intent to run. Kennedy feels we’re at risk of losing the American dream and neither Congress nor President Obama have done anything about it…

CUT 5 (08)  “this Congress”

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A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy was shot several times early Tuesday while executing a search warrant and remains in critical, but stable condition. Sheriff Newell Normand identified the deputy as 35-year-old Stephen Arnold, a 12 year JPSO veteran. Normand says Arnold was a task force narcotics agent and encountered the suspect inside the home around 6am.:

CUT 6 (05) “task force”

Police initially raced Arnold to the closest medical facility in Chalmette, but he was later escorted to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Normand says being a task force agent is extremely dangerous work…:

CUT 7 (11) “as possible”

Normand says Arnold is a great cop and the type of employee you wish you had more of them. He says when one of their own is shot, it’s extremely difficult on everyone…:

CUT 8 (09) “family crying”

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Authorities in Avoyelles Parish are investigating a human female fetus found at a sewage piping station. Sheriff Doug Anderson says city workers notified the Moreauville Police after discovering the fetus while working in a sewage pond.

CUT 9 (09)  “ongoing”

Anderson says they’re working to determine who the fetus belonged to. He says the fetus was no older than 20 to 30 weeks into development.

cut 10 (10)  “it’s disturbing”

Anderson says sewage from part of the city goes into this piping station. He says city workers made the grim discovery on Monday afternoon.

Cut 11 (08) “called us”

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A children’s TV personality in north Louisiana known as, “Mr. Wonder” is in custody on allegations of criminal sexual conduct with juveniles. 76-year-old Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego, California and his alleged crimes date back to the 1970s. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says Selas would invite children ages 5 to 11 on weekend camping trips…

cut 12 (11) “a location”

Carnline says Selas traveled to Japan, South and Central America throughout his lifetime and more victims could be out there. He says “Mr. Wonder” could be facing a variety of charges.

cut 13 (09)  “extent goes”

Carnline says some of these victims are now in their late 40s or 50s and some might not want to come forward. But he says they wants to give those who came forward to report the rapes in the 70s the closure they deserve.

cut 14 (11)  “tell someone”

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LSU got first place in a competition to see which college could gather the most recycled trash during a home football game. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The LSU System paints a bleak picture of what will happen if the legislature can’t solve this fiscal year’s 750 million dollar budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A Haughton woman has been arrested for abusing her 72-year-old wheelchair bound mother.  Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU got first place in a competition to see which college could gather the most recycled trash during a home football game in the 2015 season. In the GameDay Recycling challenge, LSU led the nation with 86,400 pounds total recycling. Campus Sustainability manager Sarah Temple says taking part in this challenge builds on the goal of reaching 50% recycling rate a month:

cut 4  (11)  “to recycle”

The competition put 99 colleges against each other with the goal of engaging fans to reduce their game-day waste, while composting and recycling more. Temple says they put out a massive marketing campaign to let people know that they were taking part in the EPA GameDay Challenge, and they wanted LSU to win…:

Cut 5  (10)  “got the signed ball”

Temple says during the competition, schools tracked weights for individual games of their choice. She says they selected last year’s LSU/Arkansas contest…:

Cut 6 (09)  “big popular games” 

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The US Army Corps of Engineers has started closing the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the Mississippi River has crested in New Orleans so the process of closing the bays can begin. He says 10 bays were closed on Monday.

CUT 7 (10)  “fully closed”

Boyett says the Bonnet Carre did its job to divert water from the Mississippi. He says for this 2016 flood, they did not open all of the spillway bays.

Cut 8  (10)  “350″

Boyett says the Bonnet Carre limits the water going into New Orleans by diverting it into Lake Pontchartrain. He says although the water has crested and is falling, we’re still experiencing usually high water.

Cut 9 (11)  “15 feet”

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LSU System President F. King Alexander warns that students at the Baton Rouge campus will see higher student fees and hundreds of faculty members and courses will be eliminated if there is a 65 million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Dr. Alexander is painting a bleak picture for the school…

Cut 10 (10) “for taxes” 

Alexander also says there will be layoffs of facility and staff members at other system campuses, including the LSU Health Science Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport. Erwin says in reality, these cuts are what we’re looking at if cuts to higher education continue, especially over a short time period.

cut 11 (10) “LSU described”

Higher ed leaders were warned last week about potential cuts because of a 750 million dollar budget shortfall. Alexander says student fees could increase by as much as 690 dollars per student if the worst case budget scenario occurs.  Erwin says increasing fees is a recipe that will not work.

Cut 12 (09) “the students”

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A Haughton woman has been arrested for abusing her 72-year-old wheel chair bound mother. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says 43-year-old Belinda Roberts was a caregiver for her mother and abused her in various ways because her mother refused to give Belinda her prescription medicine.

Cut 13 (10)  “outside”

Davis says Roberts stole prescription medication from her mother and also was in possession of other drugs and paraphernalia. He says Roberts also stuck her mother in the back of the head, twisted her nose and poked her in the chest.

Cut 14 (07) “a person”

Davis says Roberts is charged with cruelty to the infirmed, domestic abuse battery with strangulation, aggravated battery, robbery, and possession of drugs.

Cut 15  (10) “or others”

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The LSU men’s basketball team finishes off the month of January with two home games, starting with tonight’s match-up against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers are 5-2 in the SEC, while Georgia is 4-3 and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the Bulldogs feature three guards, who are each averaging over double figures

Cut 16  (14)  “open looks”

Georgia is led by sophomore Vante Maten, who averages 16 points a game. LSU’s top scorer is Ben Simmons, who is averaging 23 points and five assists a contest. Worsham says the key for an LSU victory is junior guard Tim Quarterman, who has been up and down this season

Cut 17 (12) “beat Georgia”

After tonight’s game, LSU will host number one ranked Oklahoma on Saturday in the PMAC. Worsham says with LSU battling to make the NCAA Tournament, they can’t afford to lose to Georgia

Cut 18 (16) “anything else”

Juveniles tried and convicted as adults must be given a shot at parole, the US Supreme Court ruled today on a case out of Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says a family of four is on life support following a Sunday fire in West Monroe. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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34-year-old Technical Sergeant Zechariah Casagranda has been identified as the Barksdale Air Force Base airman who was fatally stabbed over the weekend in Bossier City. Bossier City Police say Casagranda was stabbed during an incident involving two groups of men outside a night club. Spokesperson Mark Natale says the incident began when the airman and suspect bumped into each other on the dance floor, but became physical when the club closed…

CUT 3 (10)  “stabbed the victim”

21-year-old Benjamin William Shaw of Killeen, Texas has been arrested in connection with Casagranda’s death. Natale says it doesn’t appear that a woman was involved, but alcohol was a contributing factor…

CUT 4 (07)  “a homicide”

Casagranda died at a local hospital shortly after the incident. Natale says Shaw is charged with second degree murder…

CUT 5 (08)  “incarcerated up there”

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Juveniles tried and convicted as adults must be given a shot at parole, the US Supreme Court ruled today on a case out of Baton Rouge. When Henry Montgomery was 17, he killed an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy and has been at Angola since the 1963 murder. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the high court has consistently limited states’ ability to impose harsh sentences on juveniles…:

CUT 6 (10) “and unusual”

Montgomery, now 69, believes his rehabilitation in prison should make him eligible for parole. The Louisiana Supreme Court rejected his claim, but the decision is now reversed. Ciolino says the Montgomery vs Louisiana case will now be sent back to the state and likely go before a parole board hearing..:

CUT 7 (10) “ultimately”

The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that because children have a heightened capacity for change, states can not automatically sentence them to life in prison. It has also ruled out capital punishment for juveniles. Ciolino says juvenile offenders serving life who are now adults have the opportunity to argue they have been reformed…:

CUT 8 (11) “50 years ago”

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says a family of four is on life support following a Sunday fire in West Monroe. Deputy Chief Brant Thompson says 26-year-old Jeremiah Owojori (oh-wa-jor-ee), his 24-year-old pregnant wife Ashley, and their two sons, aged 5-years and 7-months are in very critical condition, clinging to life. Thompson says they believe the fire started in the attic…

CUT 9 (11)  “to this fire”

He says it’s believed faulty wiring of three electrical junction boxes in the attic led to the blaze. Thompson says the family was unable to escape the fire on their own…

cut 10 (07)  “bedroom unit”

The fire broke out in a older home that was converted into a duplex. The family in the other unit was able to escape unharmed. The investigation into the fire is ongoing. Thompson says there were no working smoke alarms in the duplex…

Cut 11 (05) “a fire”

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Although the state faces a $750 million mid-year budget deficit, state employees in four departments are getting raises that former Governor Bobby Jindal approved just before leaving office. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says these pay hikes really add up…

cut 12 (05) “pay raises” 2X

He says these pay raises add up to at least $19 million for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. The state is liable for the raises, which have already gone into effect. Alford says these pay hikes are not good news for the Edwards administration…

cut 13 (10)  “next fiscal year”

Raises were granted in the Department of Transportation, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority. Alford says the governor is determined to get to the bottom of this issue…

cut 14 (09)  “back to him”

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New Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson begins meeting with local economic development groups emphasizing small business success. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing to raise the cigarette tax by 22 cents but one organization doesn’t think that’s enough. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 The Edwards Administration has informed public universities in Louisiana that cuts are likely to come this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson begins a statewide tour today, meeting with local economic development groups emphasizing small business success in the state. Pierson says Governor John Bel Edwards has made small business growth a priority of his administration. He says it’s important to learn the different economic development needs from each region of the state…

cut 4  (10)  “southwest Louisiana”

Pierson will make stops today in Tallulah, Delhi, and Alexandria. He says 97-percent of employers across Louisiana are small businesses. Pierson says the state’s current budget crisis will certainly be topic of discussion in how it could impact small business…

Cut 5  (08)  “point for us”

He will also make stops in Lafayette, Thibodaux, Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles and New Orleans before wrapping up February 5th in Baton Rouge. Pierson says economic development starts small and on the local level. He says LED stands ready to help small business flourish with 10 Small Business Development Centers throughout the state…

Cut 6 (07)  “these centers” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has put out a variety of different proposals to help with the state’s budget deficit, one being increasing the cigarette tax by 22 cents. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana campaign Randy Hayden says his organization doesn’t think that’s enough. He says the campaign suggests raising the cigarette tax another $1.25 per pack…

CUT 7 (10)  “needs money”

 Hayden says we had the third lowest cigarette tax in the country until Louisiana increased the tax 50 cents in 2015. He says compared to our surrounding southern states, we still have very low taxes on tobacco products.

Cut 8  (10)  “on it”

Hayden says studies show when the cigarette tax is raised over a dollar that’s when it starts to impact health. He says right now it looks like this proposed tax could go up or down, depending on negotiations…

Cut 9 (11)  “health outcomes”

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Governor John Bel Edwards administration has informed higher education leaders that a cut in state funding to public colleges and universities is likely this fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says at this point it could be as much as 131 million dollars.

Cut 10 (09) “shortfall” 

Dardenne says they’re still in the process of reviewing what’s going to be necessary in order to combine cuts with revenue measures in the hopes of softening the cuts. He says this is just the reality of where we are as a state.

cut 11 (11) “next year”

Dardenne says the governor is open to suggestions from others who have a different approach to the budget problems. He says the goal is to come up with a plan that will not burden taxpayers but at the same time prevent drastic cuts in state funding.

Cut 12 (08) “are provided”

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A St. Tammany Parish jury acquits a former teacher’s aide of molestation of a juvenile. Wendell Troullier (Trool-yay)was arrested by Slidell Police in 2014 after a 10-year-old boy said Troullier touched him inappropriately while at the man’s house. Defense attorney Robby Gill says the lead detective said during the trial that they never took DNA from the child, which led to the jury finding Troullier not guilty

Cut 13 (12)  “penetration”

Troullier was facing a minimum 25-year prison sentence if found guilty. Gill says Troullier was never arrested before this case and he maintained his innocence throughout, even during intense interrogation at police headquarters

Cut 14 (06) “period”

Troullier, who was employed by the St. Tammany Parish School System for 11 years, was fired following his arrest.  Gill says his client would have never been charged if the police gathered DNA evidence from the child…

Cut 15  (06) “guy in jail”

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There’s now a website that seeks to settle the score once and for all, to find out who makes the best king cake. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 68th D.C Mardi Gras takes place this weekend in our nation’s capital and a “Who’s Who” of Louisiana politics will be in attendance, weather permitting. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The subject of who makes the best King Cake comes up every Mardi Gras season, and now there’s a platform which allows enthusiasts to review and rate their favorite. Erica Sweeney is the spokesperson for the site, KingCakeSnob.com. She says, a fun, healthy rivalry goes on among bakeries and Louisiana residents every year, swearing by their favorite king cake…:

CUT 3 (10)  “king cakes”

Sweeney says on KingCakeSnob.com, users can grade different area king cakes on characteristics such as decoration, freshness, flavor, sweetness, style and texture. She says you can give an overall rating as well on a scale of 1-5…:

CUT 4 (06)  “in the area”

Sweeney says everyone who rates cakes on KingCakeSnob.com is entered to win a semi-weekly drawing for a free king cake. She says the results are updated as each user submits a review…:

CUT 5 (10)  “the best looking king cake”

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It’s another big day on the recruiting front for the Fighting Tigers as five-star defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence of Neville High School announced he plans to attend LSU. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the LSU coaches have done an excellent job this year making sure in-state talent stays in Louisiana…

CUT 6 (12) “down in Rummel”

Lawrence is ranked by ESPN as the nation’s sixth best defensive tackle in the country. He chose LSU over Ohio State. Moran says the Monroe product is six-foot-three, 309-pounds and looks like a can’t miss prospect

CUT 7 (12) “rush the quarterback”

Moran says the Tigers are now in excellent position to have the number one recruiting class in the nation once signing day arrives on February 3rd

CUT 8 (10) “lose anybody”

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The 68th D.C Mardi Gras takes place this weekend in our nation’s capital. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says, for the first time in three years, Louisiana’s governor is attending. He says Governor John Bel Edwards is using this opportunity to get a lot of work done…

CUT 9 (11)  “health care policy”

He says, for the Edwards administration, D.C. Mardi Gras is a last hurrah before they begin to knuckle down on the state’s budget crisis. Alford says this year’s event will give political pundits the opportunity to begin handicapping Louisiana’s upcoming US Senate election…

cut 10 (08)  “up here”

Alford says speculation as to who will run in the Senate race will ratchet up after D.C Mardi Gras. He says a veritable “Who’s Who” of Louisiana politics will be in attendance, weather permitting. Alford says there’s a lot of talk about the budget and the upcoming US Senate race, but barely a sentence goes by without a mention of the impending snow…

Cut 11 (10) “fly out early”

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The family of the man who died on New Years after being run over in New Orleans and dragged through the French Quarter for 6 miles, is desperate to find out who is responsible. 28-year-old Josh Woodruff was hailing an Uber around 3am January 1st when he was struck by a four door black sedan and dragged away, according to investigators. Karen Woodruff is Josh’s mom…:

cut 12 (09) “please” 3x

At this time the vehicle has not been found and no arrests have been made. There is a $10,000 reward. Police believe the driver went down several streets in the Quarter before getting on the expressway. Josh’s dad, Mark Woodruff says somebody must have seen something…:

cut 13 (12)  “you need help”

The Woodruffs are from Omaha and Josh, a Harvard graduate, was a resident of Los Angeles and visiting New Orleans to celebrate New Years. Karen Woodruff said they got a text from Josh New Years night…:

cut 14 (10)  “for 2016”

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The mother of the victim in the case that put Derrick Todd Lee on death row said on the Jim Engster Show that the world is a better place now that the serial killer is dead. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed raising taxes as a way to fix the current budget deficit, will lawmakers go along with this? Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Cold temperatures have arrived for the end of the work week. Jeff Palermo has a look at a big change in our weather.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The mother of the victim in the case that put Derrick Todd Lee on death row says the world is a better place now that the serial killer is dead. Lee died at the age of 47 in a Baton Rouge hospital on Thursday. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that Lee got off far easier than her daughter, Charlotte Murray Pace, and the, at least, 6 other victims…:

cut 4  (14)  “deaths”

Charlotte Murray Pace was just 22 when Lee stabbed her 81 times and bludgeoned her with an iron at her Baton Rouge home in 2002. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that Lee’s death does not offer her closure, but she is glad that the case is stopped…:

Cut 5  (08)  “go on from there”

Lee had been sentenced to life for killing 21 year old Geralyn DeSoto in 2002, and death for killing Pace just a few months later — both women had their throats cut. Diane Alexander survived an attack that same year and testified against Lee in both cases. Ann Pace said on the Jim Engster Show that only thing she will never be able to remove from her mind about Lee, is the question of why he chose the women he did…:

Cut 6 (12)  “in any way” 

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In an effort to reduce motorcycle fatalities and injuries, Louisiana State Police is getting the word out about a motorcycle training program that’s offered at 10 different locations around the state. Trooper Bryan Lee says this training course helps to build mental and physical skills to safely operate a motorcycle.

CUT 7 (09)  “these crashes”

During 2015 there were nearly two thousand motorcycle related crashes across Louisiana and 80 resulted in death. Lee says they have courses available for basic, intermediate and experienced riders.

Cut 8  (10)  “motorcycle safety”

The training program is offered statewide in 10 locations. Lee says locations and class dates can be found at w-w-w-dot-l-s-p-dot-org-slash-motorcycle-dot-h-t-m-l. (www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html)

Cut 9 (08)  “on riding”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed raising some taxes in efforts to help with the state’s fiscal issues. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes lawmakers might approve these tax hikes but it depends on what they are and who the taxes impact. He says if republican lawmakers agree to the increase, it likely won’t affect their reelection.

Cut 10 (10) “most sense” 

Cross says Governor Edwards has made many proposals for raising revenue and will likely continue to make the point that Louisiana is in dire budget straights. He says the governor is looking into how much support there is for raising taxes in different areas.

cut 11 (10) “70 votes”

Cross says he doesn’t expect much push back from legislators right now given the dismal budget situation the state faces.

Cut 12 (09) “about it”

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Make sure you grab a coat before leaving the house today as the temperatures are much colder than what we experienced yesterday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front has brought us some of the coldest temperatures of the winter…

Cut 13 (04)  “extremely cold”

Keim says to expect the maximum temperature statewide today to be in the 40s, with the warmest part of the day in the morning…

Cut 14 (10) “the daylight hours”

Keim says these temperatures are not uncommon at this time of year, and we could mid-20s Sunday morning in northern Louisiana, which could pose a risk to pipes in those areas. Keim also says it will be breezy today causing a wind chill….

Cut 15  (09) “these air temperatures”

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After losing on the road to Texas A-and-M on Tuesday night, the LSU men’s basketball team looks for a road win tomorrow against Alabama. 2004 was the last time the Tigers went into Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa and came away with a victory. Coach Johnny Jones on why LSU has had trouble at Alabama…

Cut 16  (18)  “tough”

LSU enters league play with a 4-2 record, while Alabama is 1-4 in the SEC. The Crimson Tide’s head coach is New Orleans native Avery Johnson. Jones says Bama’s win over previously nationally ranked South Carolina earlier this season was impressive…

Cut 17 (22 “in the NBA”

Jones says his team will need to rebound the basketball well in this game to win…

Cut 18 (18) “great opportunity”

A cold front moving across Louisiana is bringing the possibility of severe weather and even the chance of snow for some areas of the state. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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South Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee has died. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A cold front moving across Louisiana is bringing the possibility of severe weather and even the chance of snow for some areas of the state. Alek Krautmann, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says the chance of severe weather in south Louisiana will begin this afternoon and continue into the night…

CUT 3 (09)  “wind gusts”

He says severe storms passing through south Louisiana could bring the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. Krautmann says you can expect heavy rains as the storms pass, but it shouldn’t last very long…

CUT 4 (07)  “of the area”

Jason Hansford, with the NWS in Shreveport, says there is a strong chance for snow and a rain/snow mix tonight in north Louisiana. He says the wintry precipitation is expected in the extreme northern part of the state…

CUT 5 (06)  “and Tallulah”

He says a wintry mix of precipitation is forecast for areas along and north of the I-20 corridor. Hansford says if they see any snowfall, it will likely be just a dusting at most…

CUT 6 (09) “of accumulation”

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South Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee has died, according to the state Department of Corrections. Lee was 47. He was convicted in the murders of two women and suspected in the brutal slayings of at least five other women. Lee was sentenced to death in 2004 and had been at Angola since. Corrections spokeswoman Pam Laborde…:

CUT 7 (11) “area hospital”

Multiple sources reported this week that Lee was suffering complications with a pace maker. Laborde could not confirm any additional details on the death of Lee. She says he was transported from the Louisiana State Penitentiary for emergency care on Saturday, January 16th…:

CUT 8 (05) “when appropriate”

Lee received the death sentence for a conviction in the 2002 killing and mutilating of 22-year-old LSU graduate student Charlotte Murray Pace at her Baton Rouge home. John Sinquefield was the lead prosecutor in the case. He hopes the death of Lee provides closure and relief to the surviving victims and family members of the deceased victims…:

CUT 9 (15)  “is closed”

Lee received a separate life sentence after a jury convicted him for second-degree murder in the 2002 killing of 21-year-old Geralyn Barr DeSoto, of Addis. Lee also is suspected in the slayings of Trineisha Dené Colomb, of Lafayette; Randi Mebruer, Zachary; and Pam Kinamore, Carrie Lynn Yoder and Gina Wilson Green, all of Baton Rouge. Sinquefield says Lee deserved the death penalty…:

cut 10 (08)  “no sadness”

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The LSU Professor who was fired for allegedly creating a hostile learning environment held a press conference today to announce she’s suing the university. Teresa Buchanan says she was wrongfully fired for expressing academic freedom. She says it’s a professor’s job to stimulate students thinking and to get them to question assumptions.

Cut 11 (08) “some success”

Buchanan taught teacher education classes for 20 years and was dismissed in the summer after accusations of using vulgar language in the classroom. Buchanan denies that her teaching methods resulted in sexual harassment and she says she would never do anything to hurt LSU…

cut 12 (11) “love LSU”

LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard says LSU takes their responsibility to protect their students’ from abusive behavior very seriously and will vigorously defend students’ rights to a harassment-free environment. Buchanan says she’s filing this lawsuit to protect our most cherished value of freedom.

cut 13 (10)  “forever LSU”

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Higher education leaders from across the state met with Governor John Bel Edwards to plead their case against further cuts as Louisiana deals with a massive budget deficit. The state is facing an estimated $750 million dollar mid-year budget shortfall. State Commissioner of Higher Education, Joe Rallo, says the governor told them he is fully supportive of higher ed but has a very stark reality in terms of the state budget…

cut 14 (09)  “dramatic numbers”

In the past eight years, higher ed has been cut more than $700 million. Rallo says Governor Edwards assured them that if there are cuts to higher ed, they would be part of sweeping budget cuts across the board…

cut 15 (08)  “all of us”

He says college campuses across the state are preparing for potential budget cuts. Rallo says they cannot assume that “business as usual” continues…

cut 16 (07)  “February 13th”