Lawmakers just came out of a special session, and Governor John Bel Edwards is already saying they might need another, as the state is still facing a huge budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is trying to get a handle on the amount of flood damage. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Extreme flooding has caused a levee breach at Bayou Darrow in Grant Parish. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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As lawmakers begin a regular session, Governor John Bel Edwards says another special session could be needed to address next fiscal year’s shortfall, which currently stands at about 800-million dollars. Edwards is still disappointed lawmakers failed to raise the needed revenue or make the necessary cuts to get the job done in the recently completed special session…

cut 4  (09)  “of Louisiana”

Edwards says without an additional 800-million dollars in revenue, some critical cuts will occur to vital services in the state

Cut 5  (07)  “funded previously”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, Head of the Republican Legislative Delegation, says it will take long-term reforms to solve the state’s fiscal crisis.

Cut 6 (09)  “those reforms” 

Harris says he is optimistic about legislators’ opportunity to address the deficit, because they are still early in the budget balancing process. He says balancing the budget will be a matter of prioritizing.

CUT 7 (10)  “special session”

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A bill to be discussed in regular session would increase the mandatory waiting period to receive an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. Author of the legislation, Republican West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffmann, says the extension would give a woman the opportunity to think through the process…

Cut 8  (10)  “or not”

Hoffmann says Louisiana is one of the top pro-life states in the country and he’s very proud of that. He says several other states have already implemented this.

Cut 9 (07)  “want to”

Hoffmann is the chairman of the House of Health and Welfare. He says he’s proud of the fact that each year the legislature brings in new bills to make Louisiana a pro-life state.

Cut 10 (08) “we can” x2

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Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says the total number of homes damaged in the state has climbed to over 6-thousand. He says so far 7 parishes have been approved for federal assistance.

cut 11 (07) “assessment process”

Steele says the legwork to prepare additional parishes for assessment has already begun. He says people who have sustained damage to their homes should register for federal assistance, even if they are not in one of the approved parishes.

cut 12 (10) “for FEMA”

Steele also warns people to stay off flooded roads.

Cut 13 (06)  “in this”

You can register for federal assistance at emergency-dot-la-dot-gov.

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A levee at Bayou Darrow in Grant Parish has been breached due to extreme flooding after massive amounts of rainfall. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says things will get worse before they get better. He says the community of Georgetown is virtually an island.

Cut 14 (10)  “need it” 

McCain is concerned that there could be a medical emergency if people refuse to evacuate and there is no way to get help to those residents. He says if you have the opportunity to leave an area that has the potential to flood, please do.

Cut 15 (09) “around” 

McCain says this is the worst flooding Grant Parish has ever seen and it’s breaking records. He says the Louisiana National Guard is using super sack sand bags to plug up the hole in the breached levee at Bayou Darrow.

Cut 16  (10)  “sand bags“

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The Louisiana National Guard has nearly 12-hundred Guardsmen in 33 parishes responding to major flooding throughout the state. Halen Doughty has the story…

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Governor John Bel Edwards spoke to lawmakers today as the regular legislative session begins. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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President Barack Obama has declared seven parishes in Louisiana as a federal disaster area. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Richland and Webster Parish. C.S. Ross, a National Weather Service forecaster, says we’ll start to get a better idea of the damage in the coming days…

CUT 3 (10)  “the week”

Ross says this kind of immense flooding seems to happen every 25 to 30 years in northern Louisiana. He says rain is still in the forecast, but it shouldn’t be enough to worsen the flooding. But he says the high waters could still pose a problem.

CUT 4 (11)  “a lot of polution”

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In southeast Louisiana, the Pearl River is expected to crest at 21 feet today, which is the highest the river has been since the 1980s. St. Tammany parish President Pat Brister says they are getting information out to people in the area so residents can prepare for possible flooding.

CUT 5 (05)  “their homes”

Brister says the shelters in the western part of the parish have closed. She says although they have not received any requests for shelter on the eastern side yet, they are prepared if those calls come in, as up to five-thousand homes could be impacted.

CUT 6 (06) “arises”

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The co-owner and chef of the very popular New Orleans restaurant Mother’s, Jerry Amato, has passed away at the age of 65 from complications due to cancer. Amato was named the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Restaurateur of the Year in 2003. Association president Stan Harris says Mother’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (08) “their food”

Amato and his brother are credited with preserving the 76 year old Louisiana themed restaurant when they bought it in 1986, and turning it into one of the best known dining destinations in New Orleans. Harris says diners love the quality and price of the made from scratch food at Mother’s, which contributes to creating this widespread demand…:

CUT 8 (08) “cold beverage”

Thousands of visitors flock to the restaurant each year. Amato says the bread and butter of Mother’s is the people who stand in line, order their food and sit down and truly enjoy the entire experience. He says they are famous for their homemade biscuits, delicious gumbo and jambalaya, and their unique sandwiches…:

CUT 9 (09) “name of the sandwich”

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The Louisiana National Guard says they’ve rescued over 42-hundred citizens and 350 pets as they assist in flood fighting efforts in 33 parishes. Guard spokesperson Colonel Pete Schneider says this is the biggest response to a flooding event the Guard has ever seen in Louisiana. He says their equipment has been a vital resource.

cut 10 (11)  “in the past”

Schneider says over one thousand Guardsmen have been activated so far, and the only times the Guard has seen a bigger response is during hurricanes. He says the Guard has been busy on a variety of missions throughout the state.

Cut 11 (08) “and cots”

The LANG has issued more than 70-thousand bottles of water, 700 cots and blankets, and over one million sandbags. Guardsmen have utilized 160 high water vehicles, over 40 boats and 3 helicopters over the course of these operations. Schneider says they’ve used almost every asset they have to do search and rescue.

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The Sabine River could experience major flooding in Calcasieu parish in the next 24 hours. Calcasieu Parish Emergency Preparedness director Dick Gremillion says an area about 30 miles long on the Sabine River, which is home to roughly 24-hundred residents, will likely be impacted. Gremillion says many of those residents have not evacuated yet, and the National Guard is trying to get people to leave.

cut 12 (03) “right now”

So far 12 to 15 people have been rescued. Gremillion says the river is expected to crest tomorrow at 36 feet, which is well past its historic high.

Cut 13 (04)  “this point”

Gremillion says the northern part of the parish will be hit today, and they anticipate flooding along the I-10 corridor in the next few days.

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Governor John Bel Edwards spoke in front of lawmakers today as the regular legislative session is now underway. Edwards is moving forward with the expansion of Medicaid, proposing a higher minimum wage, and reforming public education. He says he wants to ensure the working poor have access to affordable healthcare and with the expansion the state will save 100 million dollars.

cut 14 (07)  “health outcomes”

Edwards says 40 percent of our working families don’t earn enough to cover basic monthly expenses. He says he’s promised to fight for Louisiana’s working class.

cut 15 (10) “fair shot” 

The governor proposes increasing the state’s minimum wage to 8 dollars an hour. Edwards says he wants a better future for the children in Louisiana and that begins in the classroom. He says we need to broaden the measures of student achievement used to evaluate teachers and voucher programs must conform to their intended purpose.

cut 16 (10)  “not failing”

The regular legislative session begins today as the state faces an 800 million dollar budget shortfall for the next fiscal year, with no way to raise revenue. Emelie Gunn has more…

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Budget matters will dominate the regular session which begins today, but there a lot of other bills are on the table. Jeff Palermo has a preview…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The regular session begins today, and legislators have proposed several bills that would affect Louisianans daily lives. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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As the regular legislative session begins today, the state faces an 800 million dollar deficit for next fiscal year with no way to raise additional revenue. Bills to raise taxes cannot be considered in this session. Senate President John Alario hopes this is a learning experience for legislators who were unwilling to raise more revenue during the special session.

cut 4  (07)  “this one”

Alario says as long as there is another special session before July 1^st the funds could be allocated for the next fiscal year and hopefully close the gap. He says Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is looking into all the state’s contracts to see if we can get some savings during the regular session.

Cut 5  (10)  “by cuts”

Alario says we could see changes to TOPS. He says there are suggestions to raise the academic standards or limit the financial award a TOPS recipient receives.

Cut 6 (04)  “accomplishment” 

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There are several bills in the regular session that deal with higher ed reform. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the budget is the main topic, but there is plenty to suggest that this will also be an education session…:

CUT 7 (11)  “requirements”

Alford says legislation is also on the table that seeks to get rid of the Board of Regents and other bills that would allow university management boards to raise tuition. He says there are also several measures that suggest this session will produce some of the same type of fights we saw in 2015…:

Cut 8  (11)  “that practice”

Alford says there are federal issues that will also be taken up on a state level like prohibiting the creation of sanctuary cities and making changes to a law that bars felons from running for office. He says, as in every session, there will also be those silly “distraction” bills that always make headlines…:

Cut 9 (11)  “for hunters”

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There are several bills in the regular session that could have an immediate on impact Louisiana residents. One bill would require movie theaters to install metal detectors. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says theaters usually have an off-duty police officer on the premises.

Cut 10 (07) “slip through”

One proposed bill would raise the minimum wage, and another seeks equal pay for women. Dubos says these bills will be a contentious topic…

cut 11 (07) “this session”

There are also Several highway safety bills. One would no longer require motorcycle drivers over age 21 to wear a helmet. Dubos says this bill would face an uphill battle. He says other similar bills have a better chance of getting through the legislature.

cut 12 (05) “of passage”

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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the disease is a significant problem in Louisiana. Dr. Jordan Karlitz with the Tulane Medical Center says they’re studying why there is such a high rate of colorectal cancer in Lousiana. He says it’s important for both men and women to be screened…

Cut 13 (09)  “50”

Karlitz says although the recommended age to begin screening is 50, it is suggested that African Americans begin at age 45, because colon cancer is more common in that demographic. He says without screening, it’s difficult to tell if you could have the disease.

Cut 14 (07)  “symptoms” 

Kartlitz says in the US, one in three people who should be screened for colorectal cancer haven’t been screened yet and in Louisiana the number is even higher. He says colonoscopies are a great way to detect colon cancer.

Cut 15 (07) “get screened” 

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The LSU Tigers took two of three from Ball State over the weekend as the Bayou Bengals outlasted Cardinals 10-6 in Sunday’s series finale. The Tigers first four hitters in the line-up led the way as they combined for eight hits, led by Jake Fraley who had three hits. Coach Paul Mainieri….

Cut 16  (15)  “setting the tone“

John Valek was the winning pitcher on Sunday as he improved to 4-0 on the year. The left-hander allowed one run in five innings and scattered eight hits. Mainieri liked what he saw from Valek….

Cut 17 (19)  good innings”

LSU begins conference play next weekend as they welcome Alabama to the Box. Mainieri believes his team has improved during non-conference play….

Cut 18 (18) “pretty well”

Much of Tangipahoa and Washington parishes are flooded today, after a storm dropped upwards of 17 inches of water in just 12 hours. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards issues a statewide declaration of emergency in wake of widespread flooding. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Southeast Louisiana got hit with a lot of rainfall last night. Washington Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Tommy Thiebaud says to put it simply, water is everywhere.

CUT 3 (06)  “the parish”

Thiebaud says the Bogue Chitto River is expected to crest at 21 feet, but that estimate keeps rising as more rain is possible. He says they will be monitoring the rivers closely over the next 24 hours. He advises people not to drive anywhere, because many roads are also flooded.

CUT 4 (08)  “that’s possible”

Thiebaud says about a hundred homes have flooded already. He says the sheriff’s office and the fire department are currently rescuing people, and they don’t want to add anyone to that list. He says the water they are seeing is unprecedented in that area. Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Dawson Primes says his parish is also seeing a lot of water.

CUT 5 (09)  “that much water”

Primes says the forecast for the river levels is skyrocketing because of water coming down from north Louisiana. He says they will be doing rescues all day.

CUT 6 (04) “at this time”

Much of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until Saturday afternoon. Chris Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell says rainfall totals varied across the southern part of the state.

CUT 7 (11) “17 inches”

Bannan says that much rain was dropped in just 12 hours. He says we could still get up to 5 more inches of rain, which could be an issue for people near the rivers.

CUT 8 (05) “currently have”

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The Sabine River is overflowing in Vernon Parish due to water releases from Toledo Bend causing major flood damage. Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore warns everyone located around the river to be careful and they’ve already issued evacuations. He says this is the most significant flooding he’s ever seen.

CUT 9 (04) “in them” 

Moore says they’ve already evacuated about 200 people from the area surrounding the Sabine River. He says the water level dropped overnight in Toledo Bend…

cut 10 (08)  “longer”

Moore says some flood victims have lost everything they’ve worked for their entire lives. But he says the community is coming together to help those in need.

Cut 11 (09) “be done”

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The entire state has been declared a state of emergency. Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to Shreveport today to assess the destruction from the storm. He says although they have not come up with an estimate on the damage yet, he expects it to be quite high.

cut 12 (05) “of dollars”

Edwards took a tour of the Shreveport area to meet with residents and see firsthand the devastation caused by the massive storm. He says the cost for reparations may pose a problem for the legislature, given the fiscal deficit the state is facing.

Cut 13 (05)  “very well”

Edwards says the state government has met all of the requests for resources that his office has received. He says unfortunately, Louisiana is well-practiced in this kind of situation. Edwards says he will look to the federal government for additional money and resources.

cut 14 (11)  “that damage”

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Over 20 inches of rain have fallen over north Louisiana causing immense damage. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says areas in Winn, Jackson, and Bienville Parishes have many roadway and bridge closures due to high water and infrastructure failure. He says they’ve placed multiple requests for assistance through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

cut 15 (09) “of those” 

McFarland says many residents have lost their homes and business due to flooding. He says law enforcement is working to get those in hospitals proper medical care even with the flooded roadways because treatment must continue.

cut 16 (08)  “of us”

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Thousands of homes are under water and more rain is on the way today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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We’re starting to see more flu cases in Louisiana after a slow start to this flu season. Emelie Gunn reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to a new survey from LSU, most Louisiana residents are okay with paying higher taxes to support K through 12 schools and higher education. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Flash flood warnings remain in effect as more rain is expected to be dumped on Louisiana today and into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that while the greatest rain totals so far have been in northern Louisiana, southeastern Louisiana will be most affected today and tomorrow…

cut 4  (08)  “rainfall totals”

Keim says as of now there is a low probability of high wind, hail, and tornadoes, but heavy rain and flooding is still a substantial risk…

Cut 5  (08)  “poncho available”

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Over 35-hundred homes have been evacuated in Bossier Parish as a result of flood waters. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office wants people to know that more flooding is possible.

Cut 6 (10)  “tributaries” 

Davis says they’ve used high water vehicles and boats to rescue more than 200 people who could not get out of their homes or vehicles. He says most of the residents in Bossier never thought they’d see flooding like this.

CUT 7 (06)  “our parish”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has advised that all Louisiana residents be aware of dangerous flood waters and to take precautions. DHH spokesperson Bob Johannessen says to avoid flood waters if possible and keep children out of the water.

Cut 8  (10)  “in the water”

Johannessen says to proceed with caution even after the rain.

Cut 9 (08)  “people dying”

So far the flooding has resulted in three deaths in Louisiana, including a six-year-old child in Ouachita Parish.  

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The number of flu cases in Louisiana has started to increase recently, particularly cases of the H1N1 flu virus. Department of Health and Hospitals flu expert Dr. Frank Welch says this kind of trend is uncommon for this time of year and it likely due to the slow start of the flu season…

Cut 10 (08) “as well”

Welch says H1N1 exhibits typical flu symptoms, including the sudden onset of back pain, fever, and itchy eyes. He says people should not take the flu lightly.

cut 11 (11) “of hospitalizations”

Welch says about 500 people die each year in Louisiana from the flu. He strongly advises people to get a flu shot because it is the best way to avoid getting the flu.

cut 12 (10) “sick people”

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A majority of Louisiana residents are willing to pay higher taxes to support education and roads, according to a new survey from LSU. Fifty-one percent of respondents want the state to spend more on K through 12 public education, and 50-percent say the same for higher ed.  Michael Henderson, with the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, says they asked people about paying taxes to pay for these services to put people in the same position as the legislators.

Cut 13 (04)  “are important”

Forty-six percent of those polled said they are willing to pay higher taxes to support transportation infrastructure. The state legislature just completed a special session where they raised taxes to prevent deep budget cuts to higher education. Henderson says this survey suggests many voters are not upset that legislators approved higher taxes…

Cut 14 (12)  “their constituents” 

The survey also shows the percentage of Louisiana residents who think the sales tax is too high has fallen from 45-percent in 2013 to 32-percent this year. Henderson says opinions about income taxes followed the same trend, declining from 45-percent in 2008 to 25-percent today.

Cut 15 (06) “it is now” 

A majority of respondents were also in favor of increased spending, and higher taxes, for healthcare. They did not support more spending for law enforcement, welfare, food stamps, or costal protection and restoration.

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UL Lafayette and LSU are in action in their respective conference tournaments today. The Sun Belt Tournament is once again taking place in New Orleans at the Lakefront Arena. Coach Bob Marlin hopes to see a lot of their fans in the stands…

Cut 16  (17)  “beneficial“

The Cajuns are a four-seed, while ULM is a two-seed and they’ll play tomorrow afternoon in the semifinals. Warhawks Coach Keith Richard’s team has won nine in a row and he likes how his squad has been able to put up points this year…

Cut 17 (11)  sporadic offensively”

Majok Deng leads ULM as he’s averaging almost 19 points a game. Richard says Deng’s work ethic is the reason why he’s been so successful this year…

Cut 18 (12) “he is today”

LSU faces Tennessee in the SEC Quarterfinals this afternoon. For the Tigers to get in the Big Dance, they must win the SEC Tournament. Coach Johnny Jones says there are a couple of areas where they need to play better this weekend than what they did in the regular season…

Cut 19 (18) “for us”

Parts of the state have seen an excess of 20 inches of rain, and the governor has declared a state of emergency for 22 parishes. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says heavy rainfall and flooding has caused three fatalities in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The governor has declared a state of emergency for 22 parishes as an enormous storm is terrorizing north Louisiana. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Alto says lives and livelihoods are at stake. He says he has seen over a hundred homes flooded and one person lost their life so far. He says they are getting an unbelievable amount of rain.

CUT 3 (07)  “a disaster”

Abraham says he has talked with FEMA and asked that the area be declared a federal disaster area so resources and funding can come this way. He says everyone in north Louisiana is pitching in to help.

CUT 4 (05)  “literally”

DeSoto Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says several emergency shelters have been set up throughout the parish as evacuations are ongoing. He says countless homes in the parish have flooded.

CUT 5 (08)  “on water”

Arbuckle says the Sabine River in DeSoto is rising to a dangerously high level, and people near the river are being evacuated.

CUT 6 (07) “that high”

Arbuckle says the last time the river was that high was in the 1940s.

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In Bienville Parish, Sheriff John Ballance says the flood waters turned fatal in a small community just east of Lucky. He says they received a call Wednesday afternoon about a vehicle stuck in the water on a bridge over Saline Creek…:

CUT 7 (10) “from drowning”

Ballance says the man who died is identified as 63-year-old Jerry Garrett of Friendship. His 70-year-old wife, Leilani, was the woman rescued. He says the couple tried to drive over the bridge that was covered with water…:

CUT 8 (06) “Mrs. Garrett”

Ballance says there is water over the roads all over the parish, and people are ignoring warning signs and making life threatening decisions by doing so.

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Jason Hansford, with the National Weather Service, says rainfall totals in Louisiana range from 11 to over 20 inches. He says we could see a break in the rain soon.

CUT 9 (06) “on the way” 

Hansford says the state could see up to 5 more inches of rain, but he says this massive storm should clear out by this weekend.

cut 10 (05)  “this system”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has activated 750 Louisiana National Guard members to help combat the widespread flooding in north Louisiana. Edwards urges the public to stay inside and off the flooded roadways. He says there are now three confirmed deaths, one including a six-year-old girl…

Cut 11 (10) “thereto”

Officials say the 6-year-old died when her mother lost control of her vehicle due to the road conditions. A 64-year-old man from Bienville and a 22-year-old man from Ouachita also died in drownings. Edwards says many roads in northern parishes are closed and warns drivers not to cross barricades. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says the water continues to rise and the storm is shifting into southeast Louisiana. He says if you don’t need to be on the road, don’t go out and sightsee.

cut 12 (09) “do so”

Governor Edwards plans to make a trip to north Louisiana tomorrow if weather permits to see the damage. In Lincoln Parish, the Ruston Fire Department has had to rescue over a dozen people from their home or vehicle due to flooding. State Representative Robert Shadoin says state and local officials are doing all they can to help flood victims.

Cut 13 (10)  “shine again”

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Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal and one of his top lieutenants have been indicted on civil rights violations for their alleged involvement in the beatings of five jail inmates. The indictment claims Ackal directed officers to beat the inmates in the jail’s chapel in 2011. Former US attorney Harry Rosenberg says there have already been an array of civil lawsuits filed against the sheriff’s by inmates that are pending, but this federal suit will be different.

cut 14 (08)  “if convicted”

Eight former employees of the sheriff’s office have already pleaded guilty to related federal charges. Rosenberg says that while the inmates’ testimonies may not be as credible, the former employees’ statements will.

cut 15 (09) “these charges” 

If convicted, Ackal could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine for each civil rights violation. Rosenberg says the combined testimonies from the former jail employees and the inmates will make for a difficult case for the sheriff.

cut 16 (06)  “these charges”

Today the original teddy bear, Louisiana’s black bear, will be formally removed from the endangered species list during a press conference at the Tensas National Wildlife Refuge. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Lawmakers failed to solve the state’s fiscal crisis as there’s still a deficit of 30-million dollars for this fiscal year and a 800-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the rest of the week throughout the state. Emelie Gunn has more on what we can expect…

Cut 3 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The black bear will be formally removed from the endangered species list today at a press conference in Tensas parish. Robert Barham, former Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries which oversaw efforts to grow the black bear population, says the black bear was once on the brink of extinction.

cut 4  (09)  “at one time”

Barham says the federal government requires that two independent populations be viable enough to sustain themselves for a hundred years in order to be removed from the list. He says they now have those populations in the Atchafalaya basin and the Tensas area.

Cut 5  (10)  “is back”

Barham says the number of black bears in Louisiana has gone up due to the efforts of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Cut 6 (03)  “bear now” 

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Despite a flurry of votes in the final minutes of the special session, including a bill that increases the state’s four-cent sales tax by a penny, the state is still facing a 30-million dollar deficit for this fiscal year and a shortfall that could be as much as 800-million dollars next fiscal year. Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards says lawmakers could have done a better job…

CUT 7 (03)  “Louisaina”

Edwards is concerned about the potential for deep budget cuts next fiscal year. Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras says he is also disappointed the legislature could not have done more to close the budget gap, but it’s not easy to vote for higher taxes on individuals and businesses…

Cut 8  (07)  “tough votes”

When the special session started three and a half weeks ago, lawmakers were facing a 940-million dollar deficit for this fiscal year and two-billion shortfall for the next fiscal year. For now, legislators were able to pass enough revenue generating bills to stave off deep cuts to colleges and health care services. Barras says many legislators were not comfortable with raising taxes to address the state’s budget problems…

Cut 9 (10)  “those passed”

Edwards says another special session is possible in mid-June to address next year’s shortfall, but it would have been better if the legislature addressed the state’s fiscal crisis now…

Cut 10 (09) “before them”

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Heavy rainfall will continue to pound Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a frontal boundary is stuck bringing in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. He says the northern part of the state was hounded with thunderstorms and floods, but it should shift down into central and southern Louisiana today and Friday.

cut 11 (08) “the state”

Keim says although the storms are shifting, rain can fall anywhere in the state. He says our biggest risk with this weather is flash flooding and river basin flooding.

cut 12 (10) “or two”

Keim says the rain should start to clear west to east on Saturday. But he says many people have St. Patrick’s Day festivities planned in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and the morning forecast is dicey…

Cut 13 (05)  “this point”

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Louisiana uses the most “derogatory and prejudiced language” on social media, according to a study by Abodo, which is a rental listing website. Sam Radbil, senior communications manager for Abodo, says they analyzed tweets that contained at least one derogatory word.

Cut 14 (11)  “tweets for” 

Radbil says they looked at 12 million tweets from June 2014 to December 2015. He says they analyzed language regarding a wide variety of demographics to come up with their list of 154 insulting words.

Cut 15 (12) “overweight people” 

Radbil says over 11-hundred tweets out of 100-thousand in Louisiana contained insulting language, and almost 900 in 100-thousand were sexist against women. He says Louisiana came in first on the list overall with the most offensive tweets.

Cut 16  (04)  “our study“

Radbil says Nevada and Texas were also in the top three on the list and New Orleans was the number one city for sexist language. New Orleans also had the third highest use of anti-black slurs. Wyoming, Montana and Vermont used the least derogatory language.

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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs face the Old Dominion Monarchs in their first game of the Conference USA Tournament. LA Tech Radio Announcer Dave Nitz says the Bulldogs will have extra motivation when they face Monarchs as they look to avenge their only home loss of the season.

Cut 17 (17)   a little payback”

Tech is led by leading scorer and Conference-USA player of the year Alex Hamilton. Nitz says momentum and the special play of Hamilton gives the Bulldogs a good chance of winning the tournament, regardless of who they face.

Cut 18 (18) “is really the key”

A torrential downpour is flooding northern Louisiana as the storm has already dumped half a foot of water, and officials say it isn’t over yet.  Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The governor has signed into law a bill to increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 86-cents to $1.08. But not everyone thinks this is enough. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Numerous homes in north Louisiana are under water as the result of a colossal storm that has dumped over a half a foot of rain. Bill Davis, with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, says as flood waters rose during the night, they began evacuating people….

CUT 3 (07)  “the waters”

Davis says schools and government offices are closed today. He says the sheriff’s office has teamed up with the Wildlife and Fisheries office to use their boats for rescues.

CUT 4 (08)  “as well”

Ouachita parish is also getting hit hard by the storm. Glenn Springfield with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says evacuations are underway throughout the parish.

CUT 5 (07)  “rising water”

Springfield says people should avoid driving today if possible. Many roads have been closed because of high waters. He says the storm isn’t showing signs of letting up anytime soon.

CUT 6 (10) “get worse”

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There is only a few hours left in the special session called to address the state’s massive budget deficit.  Speaker of the House Taylor Barras urged House members to come together on a deal to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare.

CUT 7 (10) “leave here”

Barras says there are three bills that need to pass today, one dealing with budget cuts, another that would increase the state’s sales tax, and the other would alter tax exemptions. He says this will not be easy but they must take action.

CUT 8 (10) “next year”

Barras urges his fellow House members to come together so they can explain to the people of Louisiana that they’ve accomplished what they were asked to do.

CUT 9 (10) “direction” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law the bill that increases the cigarette tax. Beginning April 1^st the tax on a pack of cigarettes will be $1.08 rather than 86-cents, which will generate 11-million dollars in revenue for the state this fiscal year. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Campaign Randy Hayden says he was disappointed that the tax wasn’t increased more…

cut 10 (10)  “health outcomes”

Hayden says the legislature should’ve increased the tax on all tobacco products not just cigarettes. He says millions of dollars have been left on the table.

Cut 11 (10) “opportunity”

Hayden says there was no possibility that the legislature could over tax cigarettes during this session to where it could hurt revenue. He says when states increase the cigarette tax they are increasing revenue, while decreasing health care costs in the future.

cut 12 (10) “wayside”

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Cleco has asked state regulators for another hearing on the utility company’s proposed sale to a foreign investment group for almost $5 billion. Public Service Commission chairman Clyde Holloway says he is not in favor of another hearing.

Cut 13 (04)  “the rehearing”

Cleco’s attorney says the commission’s vote was flawed because it wrongly decided on the merits of the transaction. Holloway says the commission and an administrative law judge has already heard enough testimony from the company.

cut 14 (06)  “my ratepayers”

Holloway says he is concerned about a tax scheme related to the deal that would allow the investors to pocket taxes collected from the monthly rates. He also has suspicions about the future of the company and its customers.

cut 15 (07) “very much” 

Cleco issued a statement saying another hearing would allow them to address incorrect statements made during the previous meeting and explain why the transaction is in the best interest of the public. Holloway says he is does not trust the company’s statements at this point.

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LSU Health Shreveport receives a 1.6 million dollar grant to research the connection between alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Heavy rainfall is likely across Louisiana today. Jeff Palermo has more on what to expect….

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers have just a few hours left to address a massive budget shortfall, as the special legislative session ends tonight at 6pm. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU Health Shreveport has received a 1.6 million dollar National Institutes of Health grant to research the connection between light alcohol consumption and ischemic stokes. Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences Dr. Chris Kevil says drinking one to three alcoholic beverages a week has been found to increase protection to an ischemic stroke.

cut 4  (08)  “in tissues”

Kevil says when an individual has an ischemic stroke these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses are already revved up and can protect from a subsequent stroke. He says the professor awarded the grant, Dr. Hong Sun, is attempting to define how light alcohol consumption actually protects from ischemic stroke.

Cut 5  (11)  “molecules”

 Kevil says a study a few years ago, called the French Paradox, found similar results.

Cut 6 (10)  “as well” 

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The Storm Prediction Center says much of Louisiana is under the threat for severe weather today. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service says the threat for severe weather includes rounds of heavy rainfall…

CUT 7 (09)  “of rain”

Jones says there is an area of low pressure stuck over eastern Texas that is causing the severe weather and heavy rain. He says it’s pumping Gulf moisture into Louisiana.

Cut 8  (09)  “several days”

Jones says the big flood threats begin today and carry into Thursday. He says we can handle a few inches of rain because we’ve been so dry the last couple of weeks…

Cut 9 (09)  “as well”

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Small business optimism has fallen to a 2-year low, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. State Director of the NFIB, Dawn Starns, says state specific data is not available, but Louisiana small businesses also lack optimism, especially with all of the money problems the state is facing…

Cut 10 (06) “the economy”

According to the report, spending and hiring plans and earning trends all weakened, and more firms reduced prices than raised them, indicating that small business are absorbing higher costs without affecting customers. Starns says proposed tax increases in Louisiana are affecting businesses….

cut 11 (08) “that is”

The report also shows that sales trends have declined and small business owners do not plan to increase hiring or spending as expectations for future business conditions remained negative. Starns says instead of increasing taxes on businesses and consumers, they would like to see state government cut back on spending.

cut 12 (07) “like this”

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The special legislative session ends tonight at 6pm, and lawmakers are still trying to address the state’s huge fiscal deficit through a combination of budget cuts and tax increases. We’re waiting to see what legislation will come out of the special session. Jeremy Alford with la-politics-dot-com says the certainties in this session include taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and car rentals, but he says more bills still have to be approved.

Cut 13 (06)  “sales tax”

Alford says the current state sales tax is 4-cents, but Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing for an additional clean penny. He says some legislators are pushing for even more, and there’s a proposal to remove several exemptions from the existing four-cent tax.

Cut 14 (07)  “those pennies” 

Alford says the current deficit for this fiscal year is $954 million. He says legislators are closing in on this year’s budget gap

Cut 15 (11) “budget shortfall” 

Alford says the budget hole for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, is about $2 billion.

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A new NFL league year begins today, which means the start of the free agency period. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says with the increase in the salary cap, the Saints will have enough to bolster their roster and add veteran players at key spots…

Cut 16  (12)  “veteran tight end“

Detillier says the Saints will look to the draft to fix most of their problems on defense, but they could use a veteran linebacker that’s on the defensive side of the ball that’s been productive in a three-four scheme…

Cut 17 (12)   in this defense”

It appears the Saints have lost tight end Ben Watson to the Baltimore Ravens. Detillier says Watson’s potential replacement could be former Ragin Cajuns standout Ladarius Green…

Cut 18 (10) “for the Saints”

Lawmakers have until 6 pm on Wednesday to figure out how to solve the state’s budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more on the last days of the special session…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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St. Joseph residents are meeting with state legislators to get cleaner drinking water in Louisiana. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With only two days left in the special session, lawmakers are struggling with how to fix the state’s 950 million dollar budget deficit. There has been talk of increasing the state sales tax by more than a penny to help increase revenue. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says they’re trying to come up with an additional 100 million dollars so there aren’t more cuts to higher education and healthcare.

CUT 3 (11)  “or TOPS”

But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James doesn’t agree that increasing the sales tax even more is a good idea. James says unfortunately there are House members who would rather pass taxes on the consumer and ignore reducing our corporate tax expenditures.

CUT 4 (07)  “the consumer”

James says we don’t seem to want to tax the millionaires just the consumers who want to buy a beer after a long, hard day of work. He says he would like to see lawmakers decrease the inventory tax credit.

CUT 5 (09)  “right thing”

Governor John Bel Edwards has mentioned he wants to see businesses pay more of the share with increased taxes. Henry says with the additional increase to the state’s sales tax, businesses would still pay their fair share.

CUT 6 (09) “and businesses”

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Residents of St. Joseph are petitioning the state government for better water. Garrett Boyte, a resident of St. Joseph, says the water there has been yellow or murky brown for over 10 years. Boyte and others from the town met with Governor John Bel Edwards and state legislators to discuss upping the minimum standards for water in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (12) “secondary standard”

Boyte says manganese has been linked to adverse health effects, especially for infants, and it is found in St. Joseph’s water at alarmingly high amounts. He says the governor is considering proposed legislation to fix Louisiana’s water problems.

CUT 8 (11) “currently do”

Boyte says 400 water systems in the state are facing similar issues.

CUT 9 (08) “high flouride” 

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A state senate committee approves legislation that takes away a significant tax break businesses receive to help pay for utility costs and equipment purchases. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president Stephen Waguespack opposes the idea, but New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says Waguespack helped create the state’s budget problems as a former aide to Governor Bobby Jindal…

cut 10 (10)  “no credibility”

This measure now heads to the Senate floor. Waguespack argues that businesses and taxpayers should share the burden and each take a “middle of the road” hit to help fill the state’s massive budget deficit. He argues that LABI has removed opposition from many measures that make businesses pay more, but New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says they’ve not supported any of those bills either.:

Cut 11 (10) “for him”

The bill still faces stiff opposition in the House. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says LABI needs to start coming to the table with their own ideas..:

cut 12 (10) “we can’t pay anymore”

Waguespack says businesses are already dealing with a horrible economic recession…:

Cut 13 (08)  “across the board”

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Multiple flash flood watches go into effect this afternoon as north and south Louisiana will see some heavy rainfall. CS Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says we’ll see heavy downpours throughout the week.

cut 14 (07)  “12 inches”

Ross says there’s also the chance for severe weather moving into Louisiana from Texas. He says a tornado watch has been posted until 6 o’clock tonight, covering the western parishes of Louisiana.

cut 15 (08) “as well” 

Ross says Louisiana will experience some storms bringing in high winds and the chance of hail, along with tornadoes.

cut 16 (04)  “days”