A proposed law will prohibit drones from flying over jails and public and private schools. Emelie Gunn has more on the legislation….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 Rain and the possibility of severe weather is expected today across Louisiana as a cold front moves across the state. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

An app developed in Lake Charles that provides delivery from local restaurants to customers is starting to launch in new areas throughout the state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

 Senate President John Alario says lawmakers are still evaluating the governor’s proposals for fixing Louisiana’s massive budget shortfall. An increase to the state’s sales is one suggestion that’s been put forward by John Bel Edwards. Alario appreciates that the governor has given lawmakers some options…

cut 4  (09)  “to take”

 Alario says it’s wait and see to determine if there is enough support of the governor’s proposed tax hikes, which will take a 2/3 vote. He says lawmakers must do their due diligence to see exactly where the state stands.

Cut 5  (06)  “financial footing ”

 Alario says it’s refreshing that Governor Edwards is giving legislators the chance to come forward with better ideas to solve the budget problems.  He says lawmakers have an obligation to keep taxes as low as possible for taxpayers.

Cut 6 (09)  “or faction” 

______________________________________

 A bill filed for the upcoming regular session would prohibit the use of drones from conducting surveillance of correctional facilities and public and private schools. Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight proposed the legislation after the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff requested a law to stop the use of drones from flying over his jail.

CUT 7 (10)  “the children”

 Dwight says the Sheriff wants to ensure inmates cannot plot with friends or family on the outside to escape or smuggle in contraband. He says under this law the penalties would be….

Cut 8  (08)  “offense”

Dwight says he doesn’t anticipate any push back with this legislation but is open to critiques and additions. He says drones are so common now that they just want to protect the people of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “drafted”

______________________________________

Rain and the possibility of severe weather is expected today across Louisiana as a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the threat of severe weather is statewide. He says there’s probably no area that’s of any greater risk than any other…

Cut 10 (06) “and tornadoes” 

Keim says the risk of damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes will persist throughout the day as the front moves across the state. He says this is typical winter weather for Louisiana. Keim says we will get some rain, but you shouldn’t expect a gullywasher…

cut 11 (04) “and-a-half”

He says the front should move out of the state by Friday. Keim says the front will leave us with a nice weekend ahead, but it will be chilly…

Cut 12 (10) “and plants”

______________________________________

An app developed in Lake Charles that provides delivery from local restaurants to customers is starting to launch in new areas throughout the state. It’s called, “Waitr” (with no E), and for a $5 delivery fee, you can order what you want from participating restaurants who normally don’t bring food to your door. Chris Meaux is the CEO and founder of the app…:

Cut 13 (10)  “delivery”

Waitr is available in Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, and Meaux says they hope to be on board in New Orleans, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe before the end of the year. It’s also available in the Houston market. Meaux says their company does all of the deliveries for the restaurants on their platform…:

Cut 14 (11) “with a smile”

Meaux says since they launched last year in southwest Louisiana, tens of thousands of people have downloaded the app and almost all reviews are positive. He says you order and pay through the app, and you can also tip the driver through the app. Meaux says one of the most popular features is “group order” where several people can get in on a delivery or carryout..:

Cut 15  (10) “cool feature”

______________________________________

The late West Monroe Football Coach Don Shows highlights the seven-member class that’s been elected into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. Shows is fourth on Louisiana’s all-time wins list and won eight state titles. West Monroe Representative and the former voice of the Rebels, Frank Hoffman says Shows built West Monroe into a football powerhouse

Cut 16  (14)  “there”

Shows also coached at Pineville and Jonesboro-Hodge. At West Monroe, Shows also helped develop Andrew Whitworth and Bradie James into NFL players, but Hoffman says the legendary coach didn’t need a lot of talented kids to win..

Cut 17 (16) “what it became”

Also in the Class of 2016 is former LSU star and Major Leaguer Todd Walker, who was a star baseball player at Airline High School in Bossier City. Walker was the Class 4A MVP in 1991 as he hit .525 with six home runs. Walker says it’s quite an honor to get in the High School Hall of Fame

Cut 18 (09) “doing”

Walker is also a member of the LSU Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and College Baseball Hall of Fame. The former infielder in the majors says he’ll never forget his senior season at Airline High School, when they lost just one game…

Cut 19 (16) “minute of it”

(Former Parkview Baptist Coach Kenny Guillot, Former St. Joseph’s volleyball coach Brenda LeBlanc, former Southwood girls basketball coach Steve McDowell, former Parkview baseball coach ML Woodruff and journalist Ron Brocato are also members of the 2016 class.)

Cut 20 (08) “of him”

Governor John Bel Edwards has offered a plan to the state legislature to address the state’s budget crisis. Eric Gill has a look at what Republicans think about it…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

A New Orleans woman has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of her 3-year-old grandchild. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

Governor John Bel Edwards has offered several options to the state legislature to address the state’s budget crisis. House Majority Leader, Republican Lance Harris of Alexandria, says the delegation is still studying the governor’s plan. He says House Republicans will work on their own plan to deal with the fiscal mess in the coming weeks…

CUT 3 (08)  “matches up”

Harris says he appreciates the governor being so candid about the budget numbers. Governor Edwards has proposed a one-cent hike in the state’s sales tax. In regards to that, Harris says you have to look at everything in its entirety and he just hasn’t had time to form an opinion on the issue…

CUT 4 (09)  “on that”

He believes everyone in the legislature and the Edwards administration is committed to fix the state’s budget problems. Harris says it’s still early in the process and a lot is up in the air, right now…

CUT 5 (11)  “for everybody”

============================

The current, sharp drop in the price of oil is having an adverse effect on the state’s budget. This morning the price of crude oil dropped below $27 a barrel. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moeller says diminishing mineral revenues are doing a real number on the budget…

CUT 6 (11) “dropped again”

Projected oil revenues are used in creating the state budget. He says the budget has already been adjusted twice because of declining oil prices and may have to be adjusted again. Moeller says not only are shrinking mineral revenues hurting the budget, oil field layoffs are as well…

CUT 7 (08) “sales tax collections”

Noble Drilling has announced a layoff of 100 to 120 employees due to the anticipated shutdown of a rig offshore. Moeller says the massive drop in oil prices is a very serious problem across the board in Louisiana…

CUT 8 (09) “stay afloat”

============================

A New Orleans woman has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of her 3-year-old grandson. New Orleans Police says 43-year-old Deonca Kennedy first reported that the gun was under her pillow and went off hitting the child in the chest — then refused to cooperate with police or give a statement. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the police should’ve done more testing before filing charges…

CUT 9 (08)  “have waited”

Kennedy has been charged with negligent homicide and second degree cruelty to a juvenile. Meche says a variety of tests will be conducted to find out how the gun was fired…

cut 10 (09)  “the gun”

Meche says there needs to be more investigating as to who owned the firearm and why it was there. He says in some New Orleans neighborhoods having a loaded gun in your home isn’t uncommon.

Cut 11 (11) “the crime”

============================

How much pressure is on the state legislature to go along with Governor John Bel Edwards budget repair proposals which include raising taxes? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with elections a few years down the road, right now lawmakers are more concerned about the thoughts of the constituents back in their districts…:

cut 12 (10) “conservative districts”

Pinsonat says Edwards is tasked with convincing voters across Louisiana that we need this much revenue…:

cut 13 (10)  “back home”

Pinsonat says former Governor Bobby Jindal was heavily criticized for leaving office with such a big deficit by moving money around, but one thing he didn’t do was raise taxes. Pinsonat says now the public is faced with whether or not they want the burden of filling the budget hole on their shoulders…:

cut 14 (11)  “controversial”

============================

Governor John Bel Edwards calls for a higher state sales tax as one way to close a 750-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

According to an analysis by the personal finance website WalletHub, it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Louisiana Family Forum is searching for Louisiana’s longest married couple. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards proposes adding one-cent to the state’s existing four-cent sales tax as a way to address a 750-million dollar budget shortfall for this fiscal year. Edwards will also provide lawmakers with other options as a way to raise revenue quickly and they include a higher telecommunications tax on all telephones and another increase to the cigarette tax

cut 4  (09)  “menu of options”

Edwards plans to call a three-week special session starting on February 14th. It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass any tax increase. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says another option for legislators to consider is legislation to require internet sales tax collection…

Cut 5  (10)  “sales tax free”

Edwards also proposes tapping into the rainy day fund, redirecting non-coastal dollars from the BP settlement and cutting discretionary state funds. Republican lawmakers will likely oppose plans for higher taxes and instead call for more cuts to the budget. Edwards says he’s willing to discuss that issue

Cut 6 (12)  “those cuts” 

______________________________________

According to the personal finance website WalletHub, it costs less to smoke in Louisiana than in any other state. The report, The True Cost of Smoking By State, finds one resident in Louisiana spends about $24,000 a year in smoking-related costs. WalletHub spokeswoman Jill Gonzalez says it’s based on societal and economic factors…:

CUT 7 (05)  “on cigarettes”

WalletHub found the total cost over a lifetime per smoker in Louisiana amounts to about $1.2 million dollars. Gonzalez says that’s half of what smokers in New York pay. She says the out of pocket expense for a smoker in Louisiana who picks up a pack a day is about $1700 a year…:

Cut 8  (09)  “per day”

Gonzalez says, direct costs aside, Louisianians will lose an estimated $183,500 over a lifetime if they smoke due to workplace bias, missing work or being less productive due to health issues. She says the main reason it costs less to be a smoker in Louisiana is because they don’t have to dig too deep in their wallets at the store…:

Cut 9 (10)  “to none”

______________________________________

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Louisiana Family Forum is searching for the state’s “Longest Married Couple” to share their story and commitment of marriage. President Gene Mills says it’s a great honor to meet these couples who have survived the test of time. He says it’s not every day you meet people together for 70 plus years…

Cut 10 (10) “involved” 

Mills says last year, Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton were recognized as the longest known married couple in the state at 80 years together. He says when talking to the Player’s you’re dealing with authentic Louisiana history.

cut 11 (08) “to capture”

Mills says most people enter into marriage assuming until death do us part but now-a-days it doesn’t always work that way. He says finding the longest married couple encourages others that marriage and family is a lasting and rewarding endeavor. (To enter a couple married for over 70 years contact the LFF before February 5^th.)

Cut 12 (10) “and marriage”

______________________________________

US Congressman Ralph Abraham is upset with the Department of Veteran Affair’s choice to lead health care operations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Skye McDougall has been appointed to oversee medical centers in Alexandria, Shreveport and New Orleans. Abraham says McDougall provided false testimony about four day wait times at V-A centers in Los Angeles.

Cut 13 (08)  “50 days”

Abraham believes the new director should be someone that is not involved in this scandal. McDougall was oringinally appointed to a position in Phoenix, but after Senator John McCain objected, she was appointed to her current position. Abraham says the VA should not use Louisiana as a place to deposit unwanted employees.

Cut 14 (11) “of the country”

VA officials have defended McDougall’s testimony. Abraham says McDougall’s appointment is another example of how the VA is more concerned with protecting high-level bureaucrats than caring for veterans. Abraham says this highlights the necessity for legislation to reform the office of Veterans Affairs.

Cut 15  (10) “entrenched bureaucrats”

The price at the pump continues to fall all across Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

State health officials say the worst of the current flu season is still to come and they’re encouraging everyone to make sure they are vaccinated. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

Gas prices continue to fall all across Louisiana. GasBuddy-dot-com reports that the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped six cents in the past week. Spokesperson Gregg Laskoski says Louisiana’s average price per gallon has fallen to $1.67…

CUT 3 (08)  “the gas pump”

He says the lowest gas price in the state is $1.41 a gallon reported at a location in Kenner. Laskoski says falling gas prices is becoming a nationwide trend…

CUT 4 (09)  “crude oil prices”

He says falling gas prices are a direct result of the rapid drop in crude oil prices. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude has plunged below $30 a barrel as a result of the lifting of sanctions against Iran, which will add more oil to an already glutted market. Laskoski says oil prices could drop even further…

CUT 5 (07)  “25 dollars”

============================

The Department of Health and Hospitals says the worst of the current influenza season is still to come and they encourage everyone to get a flu shot. Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says it’s fortunate that flu season has been very slow, to date, in Louisiana. Welch thinks there’s one big reason for the slow start…

CUT 6 (09) “around the country”

He says doctor visits for flu-like symptoms in the state are down around 50-percent from this time last year. Welch says flu activity is increasing in other parts of the country and it’s only a matter of time before it hits Louisiana…

CUT 7 (06) “in activity”

He says they expect flu activity to increase in the state over the next couple of weeks. With the heart of flu season coming, Welch says it’s not too late to get that flu shot…

CUT 8 (08) “it gets here”

============================

The artists performing at the 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Morrison, Snoop Dog and many more. Festival producer Quint Davis says each year they strive to book acts that offer a little something for everyone..:

CUT 9 (11)  “gonna like” (2x)

The lineup at nojazzfest.com, announced this morning, includes the individual days each artist will perform the 7 dates between, April 22nd through May 1st. Davis says, of course, the Louisiana and New Orleans staple musicians, who have now become big names in their own right, can be heard at Jazzfest this year as well.

cut 10 (12)  “Big Freedia”

This is the 47th edition of the annual festival. Time slots will be released closer to the festival. Davis says the “food festival” itself is considered one of the best in the nation even without the music….:

Cut 11 (12) “under $10”

============================

The ex-mayor of Sorrento has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and animal cruelty charges. Spokesperson for the 23^rd District Attorney’s Office Charlotte Guedry says under the plea deal Wilson Longanecker, Jr. will spend 40 years in jail.  She says the D-A’s office was ready to go to trial with a forensic veterinarian that testified in the Michael Vick case.

cut 12 (10) “to trial”

Guedry says Longnecker is charged with 40 counts of child porn and seven counts of animal cruelty. She says the videos found at Longanecker’s Sorrento home involved minor girls, some as young as three years old.

cut 13 (02)  “to watch”

============================

A Lamborghini was found completely burned outside of H and O Investments in Baton Rouge this morning. H & O Investments pulled out of a contract last week to remove Confederate monuments in New Orleans. Attorney Roy Maughan, Jr. says in recent weeks, the company owner, David Mahler, received personal death threats at home and work.

cut 14 (09)  “is one”

Maughan says authorities are working to determine if the fire is related to the removal of the monuments. He says Mahler believes the story isn’t about him but about what the city council of New Orleans voted to do.

cut 15 (10)  “the threat”

Maughan says Mahler is concerned that because his Lamborghini was set on fire, the death threats he received might not be idle. He says Mahler is trying to handle it the best way he can by reporting the incident…

cut 16 (08)  “a relationship”

Today, the Louisiana Department of Education begins accepting applications for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Visitation is today for a former leader in the legislature, a mayor and businessman. Jeff Palermo has more on the passing of Raymond LaBorde…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue begins accepting your 2015 tax returns today. Michelle Southern has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Today, the Louisiana Department of Education begins accepting applications for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Louisiana Federation for Children President Ann Duplesis says about 7,100 students are currently participating and they expect the demand to remain high…

cut 4  (11)  “those options”

The program provides vouchers to low-income families to send their child to a participating private school, if the student is in a low performing public school. The state is facing monumental budget issues, but Duplessis says the program should continue to grow, because the voucher program actually saves the state money…

Cut 5  (10)  “in MFP dollars”

She’s hopeful Governor John Bel Edwards, a critic of the voucher program, will look at this as a priority for both the state and parents. The deadline to apply is February 26th. Duplessis says this is a great opportunity for parents to give their children access to a better education…

Cut 6 (09)  “works best” 

______________________________________

Visitation is today for former state legislator and ex-mayor of Marksville, Raymond Laborde, who passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Former governor Edwin Edwards grew up with Laborde in Marksville and says Laborde was an influential lawmaker during his 20 years in the state legislature

CUT 7 (08)  “he was”

Laborde was in the state legislature from 1972 to 1992. He was the mayor of Marskville from 1958 to 1970 and also served as Commissioner of Adminstration during Edwards final term in office, which was in the 90s. Edwards says Laborde was a successful politician because he was a people person

Cut 8  (07)  “I did”

Laborde also owned and operated Raymond’s Department Store in Marksville. Edwards says Laborde was still heavily involved with the store in his final days…

(Funeral services are Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.)

Cut 9 (12)  “been my life”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue, along with the I-R-S, start accepting income tax returns today. Federal returns are due April 15^th. L-D-R spokesperson Kizzy Payton says you’ll have until May 16^th  to file your state returns. She says this year, they’ve implemented enhanced security measures to protect taxpayers against fraud, which is something they started focusing on a couple of years ago

Cut 10 (10) “initiative” 

Payton says the Department of Revenue suggests taxpayers filed their returns electronically to ensure quick processing. She also advises taxpayers choose a reputable tax preparer.

cut 11 (10) “for references”

Payton says if you decide to have a tax preparer work on your taxes, the taxpayer is the one ultimately responsible.

Cut 12 (10) “tax preparer”

______________________________________

A recent study finds Louisiana drivers don’t save much money on their car insurance for choosing larger deductibles. According to InsuranceQuotes.com, Louisiana is ranked third last in offering the biggest car insurance savings when deductibles are increased from $500-$1000. Senior analyst Laura Adams says it amounts to a savings of about 6%, on average…:

Cut 13 (10)  “how little it is”

Adams says it amounts to about a $60-65 dollar a year savings for Louisiana motorists. She says this is important information for someone who lives paycheck-to-paycheck and couldn’t afford to pay a $1000 deductible out of pocket…:

Cut 14 (09) “$65″

Adams says Louisiana already has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, so it may be tempting to do whatever it takes to reduce your premium….:

Cut 15  (10) “Louisiana drivers”

___________________________________________________________

Two starters on LSU’s defense this past season decided they can wait another year before they start making money in the NFL. Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’davious White announced they will return for their senior seasons. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says Beckwith still needs another season in college, before he’s ready for the NFL and Beckwith’s return bodes well for the Tigers

Cut 16  (10)  “linebacker position”

Detillier says he’s surprised White is returning, because he had a chance to be selected in the first round…

Cut 17 (11) “football team”

In years past, LSU has seen multiple juniors skip their senior season and enter the NFL draft. This year, the Tigers will likely lose only one player and that’s offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins. Detillier gives credit to head coach Les Miles for retaining his draft eligible juniors

Cut 18 (15) “done by Les”

______________________________________

The LSU Tigers face a big test on the road tonight when they visit 10th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are a pefect 5-0 in the SEC and feature one of the top players in the SEC in Jalen Jones, who is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds a game. LSU basketball analyst Ricky Blanton says the Tigers can counter with freshman sensation Ben Simmons

Cut 19 (15) “guarding Ben”

Blanton says the Tigers will have to keep an eye on Danuel House, who is averaging almost 16 points a game….

Cut 20 (08) “of him”

10 years ago today the New Orleans Saints announced Sean Payton as their new head coach. Eric Gill has more on Payton’s impact to the team…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

Warning labels on sugary beverages may keep parents from buying them for their kids, according to recent research published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (32)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a teenager after he accidentally fired a round from a shotgun killing his friend. Cpl. Don Coppola says 17-year-old Ahmad Antoine is charged with negligent homicide in the death of 17-year-old Devin Anderson. Coppola says the shooting happened at a home on Birch Street…

CUT 3 (10)  “of the friends”

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Antoine turned himself in to police shortly after the shooting. Coppola says the investigation is ongoing, but they do have a good idea of what happened with the shotgun…

CUT 4 (09)  “injured Anderson”

He says detectives are still working to determine how the teens came in possession of the shotgun. Authorities say Antoine insists there was no altercation between him and Anderson and the shooting was an accident. Coppola says this is truly an unfortunate incident…

CUT 5 (08)  “it was not”

============================

It was 10 years ago today the New Orleans Saints announced Sean Payton as their new head coach. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Payton has led the Saints to unprecedented success during his tenure. He says Payton has proven that the Black & Gold can do more than just make the playoffs…

CUT 6 (10) “organization, totally”

Payton has led the Saints to three division titles and a Super Bowl championship. Detillier says Payton’s hiring, which came months after Hurricane Katrina, not only rejuvenated the team, but the city as well. He says there was a lot of uncertainty in whether the Saints would stay in New Orleans when Payton was hired…

CUT 7 (10) “high moments”

One of Payton’s first moves as head coach was to sign free agent quarterback Drew Brees. The Black & Gold are coming off their second straight losing season. Detillier says fixing the team’s defense will determine how long Payton will remain with the Saints…

CUT 8 (11) “is 2016”

============================

Warning labels on sugary beverages may keep parents from buying them for their kids, according to recent research published in the Journal of Pediatrics. LSU Health Clinical Psychologist Michelle Moore says this study proves that parents should be more informed about what their children are eating and drinking…:

CUT 9 (10)  “sugar high”

The online study asked moms and dads to choose drinks from a vending machine, and 60 percent selected the sugar beverage without the label, while just 40 percent picked the sweetened drink with a stamp reminding of associated health risks. Moore says parents may not know that seemingly innocent looking drinks contain so much sugar…:

cut 10 (06)  “to them”

Moore says extra sugary drink consumption could become a public health issue, particularly with children. California is proposing legislation that would put text warning labels on sweetened nonalcoholic drinks with added sweeteners with 75 or more calories per 12 ounces. Moore hopes Louisiana would eventually see the benefit of such a measure…:

Cut 11 (04) “at the store”

============================

How much should average investors worry about the continuous slide in stock prices? So far, 2016 is being called Wall Street’s worst start to a year ever. Helen Graf, executive investment manager at Graf Financial, says the tide will turn and if your portfolio is built well, you will be able to withstand these down times…:

cut 12 (07) “so critical”

Graf says if your affairs are out of balance, now is not the time to start making changes…:

cut 13 (09)  “buying opportunity”

Graf says the best thing to do right now is to avoid looking at your statements. She says in 2007-2008, during the worst crash since the Great Depression, the market evened back out a few years later…:

cut 14 (07)  “you should be fine”

============================

A new report shows that even though Louisiana has the second lowest median income in the nation, its residents do better than expected when it comes to managing money. Eric Gill has more on why….

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

 The popular e-cigarette might not be as effective as some thought when it comes to quitting the use of regular cigarettes. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Transportation is expected to be a major topic in the upcoming regular session. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A new report shows that even though Louisiana has the second lowest median income in the nation, its residents do better than expected when it comes to managing money. CreditCards.com senior analyst Matt Schulz says Louisiana’s average credit score is third worst, but it’s three points higher than what’s expected based on what people make….:

cut 4  (11)  “anticipate”

Schulz says Louisiana ranks 25^th in the country for managing money. He says considering low credit scores and low median income, Louisianans do fairly well handling credit cards.

Cut 5  (10)  “those balances”

Schulz says they found Louisiana is one of the younger states in the country in terms of average age of residence. He says it’s much easier for an older person to have a higher credit score than a younger person without a long credit history.

Cut 6 (08)  “disadvantage” 

______________________________________

 Electronic cigarettes are marketed as method to help smokers quit smoking regular cigarettes, but a new study finds that’s not the case. Professor and Associate Dean for Research at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Edward Trapido says The Lancet Respiratory Medicine’s research is the largest analysis that proves e-cigarettes have the opposite effect.

CUT 7 (10)  “to quit”

 The report says adults who use e-cigarettes to stop smoking are 28 percent less likely to quit. Trapdio says their concern is electronic cigarette companies say their product helps people quit smoking when it doesn’t. He says it’s also disturbing that they come in flavors to make them attractive to young adults.

Cut 8  (09)  “smoking cigarettes”

Trapido says electronic cigarettes have been shown in multiple studies to lead to regular cigarette smoking. He says they also don’t know the long term effects of smoking these devices…

Cut 9 (10)  “determination”

______________________________________

Transportation is expected to be a major topic in the upcoming regular session. Governor John Bel Edwards says he showed President Barack Obama the single lane of traffic motorists must pass through in Baton Rouge on I-10 when going from west to east. Edwards says he told the president that it was the only place on the 2,460 mile interstate with a single lane…:

Cut 10 (11) “this year” 

Edwards said the president understood the importance of getting some additional work done on I-10….:

cut 11 (08) “with that”

Lafayette Senator Page Cortez was chosen to chair the Senate Transportation Committee. He says it’s great news that we could potentially be getting some federal funds to help with Louisiana’s roads. Cortez says another major project for the state is the I-49 connector in Lafayette…:

Cut 12 (10) “and advance”

Louisiana has at least a $12 billion dollar backlog in improving its road and bridge system. Cortez says Edwards has committed to work to stop shifting money from the state’s gas-tax funded Transportation Trust Fund to State Police. He says making that happen will be priority number one…:

Cut 13 (12)  “state police”

______________________________________

Two Louisiana whooping cranes that were part of an experimental population have been found dead in Texas this week. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Sara Zimorski says they were notified by Wildlife and Fisheries in Texas that the birds were discovered. She says it’s believed the birds were deliberately killed.

Cut 14 (06) “been charged”

Zimorski says LDWF has been working hard to build up the whooping crane numbers in the state. She says it’s frustrating to lose two more birds when the population is so small to begin with.

Cut 15  (09) “species”

 Zimorski says currently, the maximum number of whooping cranes in Louisiana is 44, with the two birds lost. She says LDWF is looking forward to hopefully seeing new nests coming in the spring.

Cut 16  (11)  “this spring”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has learned that the public-private split in football should have never happened in 2013, because of the way the vote was conducted. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

Another teacher from Destrehan High School has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a then 16-year-old female student. Eric Gill reports…:

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

It was a huge week for politics in Louisiana. John Bel Edwards was sworn in as the state’s 56th governor and President Barack Obama visited Baton Rouge Thursday. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the fireworks got going before the governor’s inauguration when the state House elected New Iberia Republican Taylor Barras as its new Speaker…

CUT 3 (07)  “by the House”

Edwards backed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as Speaker of the House. It was learned this week that former Governor Bobby Jindal approved millions of dollars worth of pay raises for state employees in his final days in office. Alford says these pay hikes caught the new administration off guard…

CUT 4 (11)  “new administration”

He says some departments saw a 4-percent merit based pay hike in Jindal’s final days and some were retroactive. Alford says Retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness is ready to jump into the US Senate race. He says Maness joining what’s expected to by a heavy Republican field of candidates puts an interesting twist on November’s primary… (Maness is expected to officially announce his candidacy on January 27th.)

CUT 5 (07)  “stack up”

============================

Walmart announced today the company will be closing 269 stores worldwide, including 8 in Louisiana. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says Walmart is trying to cut out the stores where they aren’t as profitable, like Walmart Express. He says the company has realized they need to start being smart about where they’re spending their money.

CUT 6 (08) “next year”

Eight Louisiana stores will be closing. Rice says 95% of the Walmart stores closing have another store within 10 miles in the United States.

CUT 7 (09) “revenue”

Rice says the company hopes the employees losing their jobs at a closing location can be placed in another store. He says Walmart still wants to keep their loyal customers.

CUT 8 (06) “whatever reason”

============================

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has learned that the public-private split in football should have never happened in 2013, because of the way the vote was conducted. LRN Sports Director and LHSAA Game of the Week announcer Jeff Palermo says the vote was done by school principals and not by the executive committee. Palermo says this violated the LHSAA constitution…

CUT 9 (10)  “in the playoffs”

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says as of now, football playoffs are going back to five championships. The LHSAA only has a couple of weeks to come up with a plan before their annual convention which begins on the 27th. Palermo finds this announcement very startling…

cut 10 (08)  “shocking development”

He says for those who wanted the old playoff system, this is a big victory. Palermo is sure this is not the last we’ll hear about the public-private split…

Cut 11 (09) “three years”

============================

Another teacher from Destrehan High School is under arrest for allegedly having sex with one of her female students who was 16 when the relationship started. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says they booked 26-year-old Kimberly Naquin with carnal knowledge of a juvenile and prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student…:

cut 12 (12) “2015”

Champagne says the information that the student and the teacher may have been having a sexual relationship came from a family member of the student. Most of the encounters took place at Naquin’s home in Kenner — but also at Destrehan High and at a home in Destrehan. Champagne says Naquin’s bond is set at $75,000, with several conditions…:

cut 13 (06)  “regarding the case”

Naquin is the daughter of the St. Charles Parish School Board president. Kenner Police said they have a warrant for Naquin on 10 counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Two other Destrehan teachers still have cases pending in Jefferson Parish where they allegedly had three-way sexual encounter with a 16-year-old male student. Champagne says these cases are bewildering…:

cut 14 (09)  “it doesn’t”

============================

A Mississippi man has been arrested for aggravated animal cruelty after posting of Facebook a picture of a dog he allegedly shot and killed in Washington Parish. Brent Jones with the Sheriff’s Office says during the investigation they discovered the shooting happened in Clifton, Louisiana. He says Todd Hammond was questioned after they received multiple tips and officers saw his online post.

cut 15 (10)  “taken lightly”

He says Hammond was also given a citation for not having a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued hunting license. He says they are always watching for incriminating online posts.

cut 16 (07)  “as well”

State Treasurer John Kennedy reports the December 2015 Net Receipts Report shows total state revenue is down 15-percent from the same time last year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

The Confederate monument issue was taken up in New Orleans federal court on Thursday, and it appears as though the preservationists are facing an uphill battle. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

 The people of Louisiana want to see multiple issues addressed, not just the budget, in the upcoming special session. Emelie Gunn has more on what this LSU poll found….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

State Treasurer John Kennedy reports the December 2015 Net Receipts Report shows total state revenue is down 15-percent from the same time last year. The report shows a drop in sales taxes, severance taxes, and corporation taxes. Kennedy offers a simple explanation…

cut 4  (06)  “right now”

He attributes much of the decline in revenue to the price of crude oil. He says the low oil prices are beginning to affect corporate taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes…

Cut 5  (07)  “go down”

The report does not include gambling revenues, fees, self-generated revenue, or statutory dedications the state receives. The state legislature will be looking at increasing state revenues in the upcoming legislative session. Kennedy advises legislators to be cautious in addressing this issue…

Cut 6 (08)  “a lot worse” 

______________________________________

The Confederate monument issue was taken up in New Orleans federal court on Thursday, and it appears as though the preservationists are facing an uphill battle. US District Judge Carl Barbier is considering a plea by four groups seeking to stop the removal of the monuments. Legal analyst Chick Foret says it didn’t seem Judge Barbier found any federal jurisdiction in the case…:

CUT 7 (09)  “elsewhere”

The judge did not indicate when he would rule. Foret says he think the preservationists efforts to prevent the city from dismantling the monuments in federal court are going to fall short. He says Barbier questioned the merit of legal arguments that federal laws and constitutional rights would be violated by the removal of the statues…:

Cut 8  (09)  “historic properties”

This issue has sparked passions on both sides since it was initially brought up by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The New Orleans City Council voted 6-1 to remove Confederate statues in December. Foret says one of the lawyers for the city told Judge Barbier that they are prepared to move forward with the plan, but they need a new general contractor…:

Cut 9 (09)  “death threats”

______________________________________

People in Louisiana want to see a range of issues addressed in a special session, according to an LSU poll. Governor John Bel Edwards has send he’ll call the legislature into a special session in February to address the state’s budgetary challenges. Public Policy Research Lab Director Michael Henderson says they found 66% of respondents want to see a broad range of matters addressed in the special session such as education, jobs, and health care. He says the findings are surprising.

Cut 10 (10) “those issues” 

Henderson says there isn’t exactly a good fit between what the public wants and the crisis of the moment that the state needs to address. He says many people may understand what a special session is designed to do…:

cut 11 (09) “are important”

 Henderson says these poll results show the people of Louisiana are ready to have these other issues addressed, but it will likely have to wait until a later session. He says Governor Edwards and the legislature are going to have to do the work and explain it to the voters.

Cut 12 (08) “special session”

______________________________________

President Barack Obama said in Baton Rouge Thursday, the fact that Louisiana voters chose Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards proves elections do matter. Mr. Obama said the people of Louisiana have spoken and Edwards has already proven he will be a leader that isn’t afraid to make big decisions…:

Cut 13 (09)  “not going to be easy”

Edwards is dealing with a $700 million dollar shortfall he has to close in the remaining 6 months of the current budget year. President Obama urged Louisianans, during the town hall meeting at McKinley High, to support Edwards…:

Cut 14 (09) “this event”

Fresh off his 15 point, 7 assist, 5 rebound outing in Wednesday’s victory over Ole Miss, LSU’s Ben Simmons got a little love from Mr. Obama…:

Cut 15  (15) “Ben is better”

Simmons said he only found out President Obama would be in town after Wednesday’s game against Ole Miss. He attended the town hall with his father and sister, and was able to shake the President’s hand afterward….:

Cut 16  (11)  “it’s surreal”

President Barack Obama held a town hall style meeting today at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

A January hurricane has formed in the Atlantic for the first time since 1938. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

Parks Senator Fred Mills has been named chairman of the state Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Mills says the committee’s goal is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. He expects the committee will have a very busy 2016…

CUT 3 (11)  “of providers”

He says rule writing for the state’s Medicaid expansion will be one of the committee’s top tasks for the year. Mills says he is a supporter of Medicaid expansion and believes it will be a benefit for the state…

CUT 4 (07)  “indigent care”

Opponents of Medicaid expansion say could make the state’s financial problems even worse than they are now. Mills is confident the legislature will look at all angles of this issue and do what’s best for the state…

CUT 5 (07)  “of Louisiana”

============================

President Barack Obama held a town hall style meeting today at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge. This visit is part of the President’s annual tour of towns following his State of the Union Address. Mr. Obama congratulated Governor John Bel Edwards on his decision to expand Medicaid in Louisiana…

CUT 6 (12) “state’s finances”

This is the President’s 10th visit to Louisiana. Mr. Obama talked of visiting New Orleans during commemorations of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. He says the Big Easy is a great example of how America is able to overcome adversity…

CUT 7 (09) “pulled together”

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Governor John Bel Edwards were among those in attendance. Before President Obama began taking questions from the audience, he expressed his fondness for the Bayou State…

CUT 8 (08) “in Louisiana”

============================

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson, of West Monroe, has announced he’s supporting Republican Ted Cruz for President in an endorsement video. Robertson says he wants a candidate that is godly, will do the job and enjoys some of his favorite activities.

CUT 9 (05)  “gumbo”

The 9^th season of Duck Dynasty premiered last night.  GOP candidates will face off tonight in a debate broadcast on the Fox Business Network. Robertson says Cruz fits the bill.

cut 10 (09)  “or never”

============================

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has been ordered by a Texas judge to give a deposition in the court battle over the family trust. Thus far, Benson has refused to personally participate in any of the preceedings. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is a significant ruling, considering the family claims Benson is being manipulated by those around him…

Cut 11 (07) “same room”

A January 21st deposition has been ordered for Benson in San Antonio where his estranged family will be present. Meche says the teams aren’t actually owned by Benson, but by this family trust. He says the main obstacle in this case for Benson is that he created an irrevocable trust…

cut 12 (09) “can’t undo it”

A trial date has been set for February 1st. Benson is seeking to give control of the teams to his wife Gayle upon his death and not his daughter and grandchildren. Because the teams are owned by this irrevocable trust, Meche sees only one logical outcome in this dispute…

cut 13 (08)  “of those teams”

============================

A rare hurricane has formed in the Atlantic Ocean in January for the first time since 1938. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Alex is the second hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin during this month. Keim says Alex is scheduled to make landfall late tonight around the Azores…

cut 14 (09)  “colder water”

Keim says this is very unusual for this time of year. He says Alex is only the fourth named storm to form in the month of January in the Atlantic and the second hurricane to form in this month in this ocean since record keeping began in 1851.

cut 15 (10)  “very rare”

Keim says although rare, two hurricanes have formed in the last days of December and carried on over into January.

cut 16 (11)  “2006”