Lawmakers are discussing letting voters decide whether or not Louisiana should legalize recreational marijuana so the state could tax it. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (32)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Over 30 different bills that would increase taxes on Louisiana residents and businesses advanced out of a House committee today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers are discussing behind closed doors whether to file a proposed constitutional amendment in the special session that would ask voters should Louisiana legalize recreational marijuana so the state could tax it. Jesse McCormick is the head of the Louisiana Cannabis Association…

CUT 3 (10)  “regulate cannabis”

McCormick says they argue that these discussions need to be had as the state deals with such a major budget crisis that schools could be closed or lights turned off at hospitals…:

CUT 4 (07)  “benefiting from”

McCormick says some feel this is not the time to be getting into the marijuana debate, but he knows there is support from lawmakers who are open to considering every revenue raising option. But he believes getting such a constitutional amendment out of the legislature will be tough…:

CUT 5 (10)  “on the ballot”

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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for south central and southeast Louisiana until five o’ clock today. A large cluster of storms is moving through southeast Louisiana.  Andrew Ansorge with the National Weather Service in Slidell says these strong thunderstorms are also producing lightning and some hail…

CUT 6 (06) “60 miles per hour”

A wind advisory remains in effect until 3pm Wednesday. Ansorge says people should expect rain and thunderstorms, among other risk factors.

CUT 7 (07) “moves through”

A moderate risk indicates intense, widespread storms are possible. Ansorge says it is rare to have the Storm Prediction Center issue a moderate risk for severe weather in Louisiana.

CUT 8 (05) “southeast Louisiana”

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A report out of Tulane University finds that students in Louisiana’s voucher program end up scoring drastically lower in math. But President of the Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says we have to put the study into context because all of these students were attending failing and under-performing schools…

CUT 9 (10) “take time”  

Duplessis says the trends in the study show that the program is effective given the growth and the length of time the child spends using the voucher. She says reports like this show the program where it needs to improve…

cut 10 (10)  “ultimate goal”

Co-author of the study Jonathan Mills says after one year in the program, they found a large negative drop in both English and language arts and math scores on the Louisiana State assessment test…

Cut 11 (09) “effects”

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The House Ways and Means Committee sent several tax bills to the House floor today. But the panel used a procedural move to advance the tax hikes without having to vote “yes or “no.” Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the committee basically punted these revenue-generating pieces of legislation to the House floor

cut 12 (10) “these bills”

The full House is expected to vote on Thursday whether or not to increase taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, telephones, rental cars and there’s proposal to raise the state sales tax by a penny. Waguespack hopes the rest of the House is up to speed on these different tax proposals…

cut 13 (11)  “can get”

Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing lawmakers to approve some of these tax increases as a way to balance this fiscal year’s budget, which has a 900-million dollar deficit. Many republicans oppose the tax hikes, but Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana budget project, says there are other republican legislators who understand the need for them

cut 14 (08)  “those cuts”

Moller expects a fierce debate on the House floor over these tax bills as it will take 70 votes for them to advance to the senate…

cut 15 (08) “still ahead” 

Much of Louisiana is under an enhanced severe weather threat today and that includes the potential for tornadoes. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on various tax proposals today, including a measure that would increase the state sales tax by a penny. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Charges have been upgraded against a 16-year-old, who fatally shot his 16-year-old niece, in what Baton Rouge police call an accidental shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Much of Louisiana could see severe weather today, including the potential for tornadoes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be a bumpy ride over the next 24 hours or so as result of cold front that’s moving through the state….

cut 4  (08)  “across the state”

Keim says cities like New Orleans, Houma, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Alexandria are under an enhanced threat of severe weather. He says the threat for severe storms is moderate for Bogalusa and northern Tangipahoa Parish. But he says all Louisiana residents should monitor the weather today.

Cut 5  (07)  “entire day”

Keim says flash flood warnings could be issued in some parts of the state.

Cut 6 (08)  “flooding issues” 

Keim says the severe weather threat will diminish Wednesday morning, but we could see much lower temperatures after the storms pass.

______________________________________

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera has released an annual report that points out areas where state government can do a better job of protecting taxpayer dollars. Purpera says on multiple occasions his auditors discovered the Department of Health and Hospitals didn’t do what was needed to receive payments from third parties for medical services provided for Medicaid patients…

CUT 7 (10)  “million dollars”

Purpera says nationally, nearly 6 percent of Medicaid claims are subject to abuse and the number could be even higher in Louisiana. He says they are planning to increase the number of auditors within DHH.

Cut 8  (10)  “these issues”

Purpera says with additional auditors in DHH, they can also do a better job in making sure those who are on Medicaid are actually eligible for the government health program and there are no over payments for Medicaid services…

Cut 9 (09)  “of things”

_________________________________________________________

Today could be a pivotal day in the special session that’s been called to eliminate a $900 million deficit this fiscal year. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on various proposals to increase taxes, including a measure that would increase the state sales tax from 4-cents to 5-cents. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics-dot-com, says the sales tax bill is a key revenue raising measure that the Edwards administration is pushing for.

Cut 10 (05) “to do it”

Alford says many republicans could vote for an increase in the sales tax, but they want the governor to commit to some long-term spending cuts. Alford says the governor won’t get something for nothing through the House chamber.

cut 11 (09) “regular session”

 The committee has heard bills that would increase taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, rental cars, phone lines, internet sales and hotels. Alford says the committee may vote on just a few of these proposed taxes.

cut 12 (08) “this huge gap”

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Early voting for the Louisiana Presidential Preference Primary continues today through Saturday. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this primary is costing Louisiana $3.5 million during tough budget times. He says switching to a caucus format would save the state that money, because a caucus is paid for by the political parties…

Cut 13 (11)  “pay for it”

Schedler says Louisiana needs to make crucial cuts to the state’s budget, and moving from presidential primary to a caucus could be one way to reduce future spending…

Cut 14 (09)  “different way” 

Schedler says he has proposed caucus voting to the legislators, but it takes a vote by the legislature to make that change…

Cut 15 (05) “do it” 

——————————————————————————————-

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Arkansas tonight in a game that is a  must have for the Tigers who are on the wrong side of the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament. LSU will play the game without senior shooting guard Keith Hornsby, who reaggravated a sports hernia injury that forced him to miss several games earlier this season. Coach Johnny Jones on Hornsby’s absence

Cut 16  (15)  “we’ll miss him“

Jones says it’s too early to say if Hornsby will miss the rest of the season as some reports suggest. The Tigers have lost two straight and this losing streak has put LSU in a position where they need to rest of there games to make the NCAA Tournament. But Jones is not panicking

Cut 17 (16) “as well”

LSU enters tonight’s game with a 16-11 record, 9-5 in the SEC. Arkansas is 13-and-14, with a six-and-eight league record. Jones says handling the Razorbacks defensive pressure is a top priority tonight

Cut 18 (17) “make shots”

Oil prices will not rebound this year, according to experts at the International Energy Agency. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

A House committee approves several bills aimed at reducing the number of state government contracts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

A man who cops say was acting strange at a movie theater in Lafayette was issued a summons for disturbing the peace. Corporal Paul Mouton says during the film Deadpool, witnesses reported seeing 35-year-old Christopher Harmason of New Iberia walking up and down the aisles…:

CUT 3 (09)  “uncomfortable”

Mouton says that Harmason ended up going outside where he continued to act in an erratic manner. He says it doesn’t appear as though the man was an actual threat to anyone…:

CUT 4 (09)  “within the complex”

Lafayette was rocked last year when a man opened fire on a theater full of people, killing two and injuring 10 before turning the gun on himself. Mouton says Harmason got a misdemeanor summons and was told not to come back to the theater. He says they commend the citizens that were in the theater who brought it to the attention of the manager who contacted police…:

CUT 5 (09)  “and hope for the best”

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

According to experts at the International Energy Agency, oil prices will not rebound until next year. David Dismukes, Executive Director at the LSU Center for Energy Studies, says this is disappointing news to the oil industry, after hearing reports about a production freeze in the Middle East. But Dismukes doesn’t see a cutback in production by oil producing countries…

CUT 6 (10) “lower prices”

Oil prices have plummeted 70% in the last two years, leading to layoffs in the oil industry and supporting businesses. Dismukes says oil companies have done what they can to avoid further job cuts…

CUT 7 (10) “financing mechanisms”

Dismukes says oil companies may have to look at asset sales to generate cash and explore measures for bankruptcy protection. The low oil prices have led to the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in over a decade as the statewide average is a $1.55, according AAA. He says although drivers are enjoying lower gas prices, it is not good for the economy…

CUT 8 (06) “right now”

Today the price of US oil is trading around $30 a barrel.

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More groups are coming forward expressing anger over the latest viral Crimestoppers video by Captain Clay Higgins with the Sheriff’s Office in St. Landry. The so called, “Cajun John Wayne” is coming under fire for some of the terminology he used to refer to the Gremlins Gang suspects. National Action Now President Rev. Raymond Brown says the video is racially tainted:

CUT 9 (08)  “their peers”

Indictments were issued against the wanted suspects said to be involved in crimes like murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery and more. But Brown feels Higgins’ video is a smack in the face to our criminal justice system. He says it sets a poor example to call people ugly names…:

cut 10 (10)  “maximum force”

The ACLU of Louisiana also said that Higgins implies using the force of summary execution which is not the way we work in this country. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Acadiana is dealing with this gang that’s been terrorizing the area for a long time. He says they may have veered off point, but the message is pretty simple…:

Cut 11 (09) “watch for ya”

Higgins rose to national fame with the videos which don’t hold back the way he personally feels about people who commit crimes. Guidroz says Higgins’ intentions are good, but he has been asked to refrain from being critical moving forward…:

cut 12 (07) “not saying”

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The House Appropriations Committee approved a series of bills today aimed at reducing or cutting down on number of state contracts, which supporters say will save the state some much needed dollars. Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy says there are dozens if not hundreds of contracts that the state spends money on that are NOT needed

cut 13 (06)  “you throw up”

Some of the examples Kennedy named… contracts for tutoring students and providing adult education to prisoners. He says there’s a 29-million dollar contract to help the state build a website for food stamp recipients. Kennedy says the governor should bring in his cabinet secretaries today and demand they cut at least 10-percent of their contracts

cut 14 (10)  “into place”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says an examination of state contracts is underway and they plan to eliminate some of them in the coming weeks as part of their cost cutting plan

cut 15 (10) “do something” 

Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary is underway, and here’s what Democrats are saying about the two Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 The Department of Health and Hospitals has handed out two million dollars in loans to improve drinking water in Avoyelles Parish. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Recent polls have shown the public does not support increasing taxes as a way of solving the state’s budget deficit, but one pollster says these surveys might not tell the whole story. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Early voting for the Louisiana Presidential Preference Primary is underway, and polls remain open until Saturday. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are battling for the Democratic nomination. Former US Senator Mary Landrieu supports Hillary Clinton. Landrieu says Clinton has the skills necessary to be an effective leader.

cut 4  (07)  “Senator Sanders”

Landrieu says Sanders is not as well equipped to handle the presidency.

Cut 5  (09)  “us safe”

Sanders’ supporter Gilda Reed, a psychology professor at UNO, says she is “feeling the Bern.” She says he can make crucial changes in the country.

Cut 6 (08)  “the status quo” 

Reed says Sanders is capturing the hearts of everyday Americans and energizing the youth because of his progressive ideas.

CUT 7 (07)  “the long run”

Voting is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm daily at your local Parish of Registrar office and other select locations.

 ______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has awarded a 2.1 million dollar loan to assist an Avoyelles Parish water system improve its drinking water. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says the money comes from the state‘s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, which helps improve infrastructure to ensure drinking water stays safe.

Cut 8  (10)  “their system”

Guidry says the project calls for a new pump stations, new ground water storage tank, a new well and chlorination facility at the Yellow Bayou Pump station….

Cut 9 (08)  “in trouble”

Guidry says during the improvement process, the Avoyelles Parish residents might have to go on a water boil notice. He says this is all to ensure that they’re water remains safe to drink.

Cut 10 (08) “notice it”

_________________________________________________________

Recent polls have shown the public is opposed to the legislature increasing taxes as a way of solving the state’s fiscal crisis. But Michael Henderson, Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, says these surveys might not tell the whole story, because the polls do not ask the respondents about potential consequences if revenues are not raised….

cut 11 (07) “more stuff”

 Henderson, who puts together the annual Louisiana Survey, says the public usually always opposes proposes to increase taxes. But voters also oppose spending cuts to education or transportation, so that’s why some of the recent polls are not an accurate description of what the legislature is dealing with…

cut 12 (06) “imperfect picture”

Henderson says legislators should take these polls with a grain of salt, because the poll questions don’t take into account what could happen if certain taxes are not raised…

Cut 13 (08)  “public wants”

________________________________________________________

Supermodel Pamela Anderson suggests to Governor John Bel Edwards that Louisiana’s budget could benefit from serving all-vegan food to prisoners. That’s according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA spokesperson Dan Matthews says Anderson has visited other jails around the country that save hundreds of thousands of dollars by not serving meat:

Cut 14 (08)  “with this proposal” 

Anderson is the “honorary director” of PETA and she wrote a letter to Governor Edwards saying enormous savings on freezer costs and prisoners’ healthcare would be made by serving healthy, colorful vegan meals. Matthews says Louisiana taxpayers would save over $620,000 a year by offering inmates beans, rice, lentils, pasta, potatoes and other vegetables…:

Cut 15 (11) “in their life” 

Anderson says if Louisiana switched to meat-free meals in jail, she’d come inaugurate the program by helping cook and serve lunch to the inmates. Matthews says there are numerous studies which show that the less animal products you consume, the healthier you are…:

Cut 16  (10)  “to live“

The ACLU of Louisiana responds to the latest rather aggressive Crime Stoppers viral video by St. Landry Parish’s Captain Clay Higgins looking for wanted Gremlins Gang members. Emelie Gunn reports..:

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has died at the age of 89. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

The ACLU of Louisiana has responded to the latest Crime Stoppers video by St. Landry Parish’s Captain Clay Higgins that’s gone ridiculously viral. Higgins is looking for wanted members of the Gremlins Gang and says they each have a $2500 bounty on their head. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman has a problem with that…:

CUT 3 (06)  “summary execution”

Higgins video had nearly 14 million views in just two days. Esman feels like all this does is exacerbate the problem of a public who feels cops are the bad guys….:

CUT 4 (09)  “what police officers do”

Esman says Higgins also shouldn’t be calling these suspects “heathens” which is a religious term that implies he knows something about their beliefs…:

CUT 5 (10)  “they’re committing crimes”

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Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has died at the age of 89. Head of Special Collections at LSU Jessica Lacher Feldman says Lee’s death is the end of an era. Feldman worked at the University of Alabama, where Lee spoke to students once a year. Feldman was Lee’s handler when she visited and says Lee’s novel resonated deeply with many people.

CUT 6 (10) “the world”

Feldman says Lee’s recently released book “Go Set A Watchman,” broke many publishers records. Feldman says Lee’s first novel was influential because Lee wrote about race and gender issues in a very real, but idealized, way.

CUT 7 (07) “the century”

There has been speculation as to whether Lee wrote any more books that were not published. Feldman says her death may bring more writings to light.

CUT 8 (08) “she’s written”

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A new poll from Invest in a Healthy Louisiana and Public Opinion Strategies finds increasing the tobacco tax is favored by seven out of 10 voters. Pollster Glen Bolger says the survey polled 500 likely Louisiana voters and many people are opposed to hikes in the state’s income, sales or property taxes, but favor an increase to the state’s tobacco tax…

CUT 9 (07)  “strongly favor”

The Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Coaltion is advocating a $1.25 per pack increase in the tobacco tax. So far, only a 22-cent increase has been discussed by the legislature. Bolger says the poll asked people about three different tax levels and found no statistical difference between the options.

cut 10 (09)  “73 percent”

Increasing the cigarette tax by $1.25 would raise more than $200 million a year for Louisiana. Bolger says the increase is popular across party lines…

Cut 11 (11) “percent support”

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Dozens of students marched to the state capitol in efforts to protest the proposed cuts to higher education to offset the massive budget deficit. A graduate of Nicholls State University and LSU, Peter Jenkins, attended the Save our Schools rally to make legislators pay attention and stop these drastic measures…

cut 12 (08) “focusing on”

Jenkins says they want the legislators to do what they need to do to save higher education. He says students are calling for three different things…

cut 13 (10)  “budget cuts”

Jenkins believes legislators understand the situation and don’t have ill-will toward the situation but are only trying to figure out how to solve the deficit. But he says it’s their job as students to be heard…

cut 14 (10)  “come out”

Students chanted at the steps of the Capitol in efforts to prevent future cuts to higher education…

cut 15 (11) “no future” 

The new voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, will hit the airwaves for the first time tonight on the LSU Sports Radio Network as baseball season gets underway at The Box. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 Apple is fighting the federal government over hacking into iPhones and the ruling could impact a murder case in Baton Rouge. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry has announced he’s terminating outside legal contracts with District Attorneys and their civil practices. Emelie Gunn has more on other changes…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The new voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, will hit the airwaves for the first time tonight on the LSU Sports Radio Network as baseball season gets underway at The Box. Blair says, on a smaller level, his time at Georgia Southern helped him prepare for dealing with passionate fan bases…:

cut 4  (10)  “won the game”

Former LSU pitcher Doug Thompson will join Blair as the color analyst for broadcasts of Tigers’ home games on Skip Bertman Field. Blair says he’s always had a passion for listening to sports on the radio and he never thought he’d be able to say one day he’d be calling play-by-play for LSU…:

Cut 5  (04)  “pipe dream of mine”

Blair is moving into the spot held by Jim Hawthorne for more than 30 years. Blair says working with Jim these last few months has been phenomenal. Hawthorne is retiring following the conclusion of the men’s basketball season. He says he expects a big crowd for opening night tonight..:

Cut 6 (10)  “something’s wrong with you” 

 ______________________________________

Apple is fighting the federal government over accessing iPhones and the ruling could have implications on murder case in Baton Rouge. 29-year-old Brittney Mills was shot and killed last April after answering a knock at her door. Baton Rouge investigators believe her phone has information that could answer questions surrounding the case, but they are unable to access it. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is glad the feds are forcing Apple experts to assist in these kind of investigations.

CUT 7 (08)  “looking for”

 The FBI has received a court order for Apple to hack into a phone used by one of the shooters in the San Bernandino terrorist attack. Apple says it could lead to privacy issues for its customers. Moore wonders if this court order could also impact the Mills investigation, because at this point they can’ get in her phone..

Cut 8  (07)  “in the phone”

Police are cautious to keep trying incorrect passcodes, because after 10 failed attempts, the phone will erase all of the stored data. Moore says the inability to check information on Mills’ phone has bogged down their investigation…

Cut 9 (07)  “doesn’t work”

_________________________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry announces new polices that attempt to rid his department of public corruption. Landry says one new policy eliminates all outside government legal contracts with District Attorneys and their civil practices. And He says fulltime lawyers in his office will no longer take on private legal cases on the side…

Cut 10 (09) “the department”

Landry says he will permit his attorneys to do pro-bono work under circumstances where there are clearly no conflicts of interest. He also announced the termination of existing contracts with outside council in the BP litigation.

cut 11 (08) “incident”

Landry says the responsibility of the Attorney General’s office has not changed. He says they will keep working to find ways to make his office honest and ethical to make the people of Louisiana proud.

cut 12 (10) “ferret out”

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Early voting begins tomorrow for Louisiana’s Presidential Preference Primary which will be held on March 5th. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says only registered Republicans and Democrats will be able to vote in their respective primaries.

Cut 13 (06)  “that primary”

So in other words, Democrats can only vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary and Republicans can only vote in the Republican Presidential Primary.  Other items, mainly local elections, will be on the ballot in 24 parishes for which all registered voters will be able to vote. Schedler encourages people to check out GeauxVote-dot-com to see what will appear on their ballot.

Cut 14 (11)  “this is it” 

Schedler says all voters, no matter what party, should vote in their local elections. He says early voting will be available starting tomorrow, and offices will be open until next Saturday.

Cut 15 (07) “early voting” 

Registered voters can vote everyday with the exception of Sunday.

_____________________________________________________

It’s opening day for college baseball as the 7th ranked LSU Tigers host the Cincinnati Bearkats tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Last year, the Tigers reached the College World Series, but the team that will take the field tonight will look different. LSU will have eight new starters in its batting order and Coach Paul Mainieri is expecting some opening night nerves.

Cut 16  (17)  “highest level“
One of LSU’s new starters is sophomore Greg Deichmann of Metairie, who will start at first base. Deichmann says he’s excited to carry on LSU’s winning tradition….

Cut 17 (14) “winning tradition”

Expectations are also high in Lafayette, where the sixth ranked Ragin Cajuns begin the season tonight by hosting Sam Houston State at Tigue Moore Field. Over three-thousand season tickets have been sold and Coach Tony Robichaux says the players are just as anxious as the fans…

Cut 18 (10) “have an opponent”

Sam Houston’s head coach is Matt Deggs, who is a former assisant at UL Lafayette. Robichaux says Coach Deggs and the Bearkats will provide good competition to start the season…

Cut 19 (08) “which is good”

Marketa Garner Walters, secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, is concerned about a 15-million dollar hole in her budget. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

South Louisiana law enforcement are searching for fugitives from the Gremlins Criminal Gang and Michelle Southern says the search is receiving all kinds of attention because of a viral video….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services tells legislators her department is in need of resources to care for the more than four-thousand children in foster care in Louisiana. Marketa Garner Walters spoke to the House of Appropriations about a 15-million dollar hole in the DCFS budget. Garner says there is a shortage of foster homes…

CUT 3 (09)  “a placement”

Walters says DCFS helps families in tough times. They deal with things like child abuse investigation, foster care and adoption, food stamps, child support enforcement and disability determinations. Garner says the process of finding a place to stay can be difficult on children from abusive homes.

CUT 4 (10)  “wanted there”

Walters says without sufficient funding, people will be laid off at the affected agencies and Louisiana could receive federal penalties for falling short of the national standards for these agencies…

CUT 5 (09)  “food stamp program”

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

A federal judge officially rejected Former Saints safety Darren Sharper’s plea bargain in the case where he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women. Legal Analyst Chick Foret says Sharper is facing accusations in three other states and agreed to nine years in jail after pleading guilty in those jurisdictions. But Foret says US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo believes nine years isn’t enough…

CUT 6 (10) “be convicted”

Judge Milazzo gave Sharper until March 3^rd to withdraw his guilty plea. Foret says Judge Milazzo said this morning, the original plea deal does not reflect the seriousness of the crime. He says the federal sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence of 15 to 20 years…

CUT 7 (09) “plea bargain”

Foret says Darren Sharper is in a bad position and the facts keep getting worse. He says Sharper only has three options…

CUT 8 (10) “sentence”

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South Louisiana law enforcement are actively searching for the seven remaining wanted fugitives of the Gremlins Criminal Gang and their search efforts have been boosted by the latest video message from the “Cajun John Wayne.” Captain Clay Higgins with St. Landry’s parish sheriff’s office says the gang is very active in Acadiana and Higgins called out the remaining fugitives in a viral internet video.

CUT 9 (05)  “like you”

The video filmed in front of the police station shows police officers and state leaders standing behind Higgins. It has received over 8 million views on St. Landry Parish’s Facebook page. He says police have arrested 10 Gremlins, and they have warrants for seven more. He says the officers are not afraid of these so-called thugs.

cut 10 (04)  “than you”

Higgins says all of them are armed and dangerous. Authorities say the Gremlins are responsible for violent crimes including murder, armed robbery, witness intimidation, burglary, drug trafficking, extortion, and brutal beatings.  Higgins asks the public to contact police with any information about these crimes of the whereabouts of the wanted fugitives.

Cut 11 (04) “our knees”

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

A debate broke out at the state capitol over a tax credit that benefits working individuals with low incomes. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala has legislation to do away with the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, which he says will save the state about 50-million dollars a year

cut 12 (12) “through revenue increases”

But Democratic state representative Walt Leger says the Earned Income Tax Credit helps the working poor pay for daily life expenses

cut 13 (09)  “out of the year”

Leger says in parishes like East Carroll and Madison,  over 50-percent of the state’s tax filers receive the earned income tax credit. The New Orleans lawmaker is actually proposing to double the earned income tax credit, which would actually help the state and local economy

cut 14 (12)  “necessities of life”

A Republican lawmaker from Hammond says the one cent sales tax increase proposal is facing significant debate in the special session. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 The Louisiana Supreme Court delays the execution of the so-called River Parish serial killer. Emelie Gunn reports Daniel Blank was scheduled to die next month for the murder of an elderly woman in 1997…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 Lawmakers are considering raising the tax on alcohol for the first time since 1948 to help solve the state’s budget crisis. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Republican Representative Chris Broadwater of Hammond, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, says lawmakers are taking a hard look at the Edwards Administration’s proposed one cent sales tax increase. He says the reason it’s such a pivotal issue is because they are trying to close a massive $950ish million dollar gap in the current fiscal year budget…:

cut 4  (06)  “were it to pass”

Broadwater says there is concern about whether or not the one penny sales tax hike would be utilized as a short term approach, or if it would stay long term….:

Cut 5  (10)  “that need to be made”

Broadwater says it remains to be seen if lawmakers will decide to make this part of the solution to the budget crisis. He says they are also discussing other tax measures such as on cigarettes and alcohol, but the one penny sales tax hike does continue to be a significant part of the discussion….:

Cut 6 (05)  “associated with it” 

 ______________________________________

A north Louisiana lawmaker doesn’t like hearing the threat that there will be no LSU football next season because of budget issues facing higher education. Republican State Representative Steve Pylant of Winnsboro says Governor John Bel Edwards’ statement about the possibility there will be no LSU football next year is an empty threat.

CUT 7 (06)  “this fall”

Pylant’s comments came during a full day’s worth of testimony about funding for higher education. Many lawmakers expressed frustration about threats that college campuses could close this spring, unless they receive more money. But Pylant is against higher taxes to solve the problem and compares the situation to feeding hogs…

Cut 8  (09)  “a fight”

But Democrat State Representative Pat Smith of Baton Rouge says legislators have to do whatever they can to keep universities open.

Cut 9 (07)  “doors open”

Smith says she’s in favor of approving tax measures to make sure schools remain open for students.

Cut 10 (07) “to school”

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The Louisiana Supreme Court delays the scheduled March 14^th execution of the so-called River Parishes serial killer Daniel Blank. He was sentenced to death for the brutal beating death of a 71-year-old Ascension Parish woman in 1997. Blank’s attorney, Gary Clements, says an execution date should have never been set, because his client had yet to exhaust all of his appeals…

cut 11 (10) “after that”

 Blanks execution could not have been carried out next month anyways, because the state Department of Corrections doesn’t have the necessary drugs to follow through with Blank’s execution. Clements also says Blanks is innocent. He says his client’s admission that he killed six people came towards the end of a 12-hour interrogation…

cut 12 (10) “physical reality”

Clements says the Louisiana Supreme Court needs time to look at Blank’s case.

Cut 13 (08)  “this case”

________________________________________________________

State Representative Kenny Cox of Natchitoches is proposing a higher tax on alcohol as a means for closing the state’s huge budget deficit. The proposed bill would raise Louisiana’s alcohol tax to the Southern regional averages. Cox says raising taxes is not his first option…

Cut 14 (05)  “do something” 

Under this bill, taxes would increase $3 per gallon for hard liquor and 34-cents per gallon for wine. The tax would go into effect April 1, although it is unclear how much revenue it would generate. Unlike other taxes proposed during this special session, this increase would be permanent.

Alcohol taxes in Louisiana have not been raised since 1948. John Williams with the Beer Industry League of Louisiana says the tax increase in 1948 devastated the beer brewing industry in Louisiana. He says Louisiana still has one of the highest alcohol taxes in the country.

Cut 15 (05) “excise tax” 

 Craft beer breweries are a growing industry in Louisiana. Louisiana currently has 16 operating breweries, and another 5 or 6 are expected to open by the end of the summer. If the alcohol tax is raised, brewery operators fear that beer drinkers will switch to more affordable options as opposed to the expensive beers brewed in Louisiana.  State Representative Mike Huval of Breaux Bridge says this tax could hurt people that are trying to build their business in an already fragile economy.

Cut 16  (05)  “upcoming business“

_____________________________________________________

______________________________________

LSU Football head coach Les Miles introduced two new additions to his coaching staff.  The new additions have a strong ties to Louisiana. Jabbar Juluke has been named running backs coach while Dameyune Craig has been named as the wide receivers coach. Miles is thrilled they are on his staff…

Cut 17 (12) “special things”

Prior to coming to LSU, Juluke served in the same capacity at Texas Tech. This was preceded by a three year stint as the running backs coach at Louisiana Tech. Juluke is also a graduate of Southern University. The New Orleans native coached Edna Karr High School for nine years where he led the Cougars to one state championship and three consecutive state championship appearances. Juluke says he couldn’t be happier

Cut 18 (10) “be here”

Craig joins LSU after serving as Auburn’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. In the 2013 season, Craig helped Auburn win the SEC title game and make an appeareance in the BCS National championship. He played quarterback at Auburn from 1994-1997, where he broke many school passing records. Craig began his coaching  career in 2004 as a graduate assistant for LSU and is glad he’s back in Baton Rouge

Cut 19 (18) “that sells”

A Republican lawmaker from Hammond says the one cent sales tax increase proposal is facing significant debate in the special session. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court delays the execution of the so-called River Parish serial killer. Emelie Gunn reports Daniel Blank was scheduled to die next month for the murder of an elderly woman in 1997…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Lawmakers are considering raising the tax on alcohol for the first time since 1948 to help solve the state’s budget crisis. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Republican Representative Chris Broadwater of Hammond, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, says lawmakers are taking a hard look at the Edwards Administration’s proposed one cent sales tax increase. He says the reason it’s such a pivotal issue is because they are trying to close a massive $950ish million dollar gap in the current fiscal year budget…:

cut 4  (06)  “were it to pass”

Broadwater says there is concern about whether or not the one penny sales tax hike would be utilized as a short term approach, or if it would stay long term….:

Cut 5  (10)  “that need to be made”

Broadwater says it remains to be seen if lawmakers will decide to make this part of the solution to the budget crisis. He says they are also discussing other tax measures such as on cigarettes and alcohol, but the one penny sales tax hike does continue to be a significant part of the discussion….:

Cut 6 (05)  “associated with it” 

______________________________________

A north Louisiana lawmaker doesn’t like hearing the threat that there will be no LSU football next season because of budget issues facing higher education. Republican State Representative Steve Pylant of Winnsboro says Governor John Bel Edwards’ statement about the possibility there will be no LSU football next year is an empty threat.

CUT 7 (06)  “this fall”

Pylant’s comments came during a full day’s worth of testimony about funding for higher education. Many lawmakers expressed frustration about threats that college campuses could close this spring, unless they receive more money. But Pylant is against higher taxes to solve the problem and compares the situation to feeding hogs…

Cut 8  (09)  “a fight”

But Democrat State Representative Pat Smith of Baton Rouge says legislators have to do whatever they can to keep universities open.

Cut 9 (07)  “doors open”

Smith says she’s in favor of approving tax measures to make sure schools remain open for students.

Cut 10 (07) “to school”

_________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court delays the scheduled March 14^th execution of the so-called River Parishes serial killer Daniel Blank. He was sentenced to death for the brutal beating death of a 71-year-old Ascension Parish woman in 1997. Blank’s attorney, Gary Clements, says an execution date should have never been set, because his client had yet to exhaust all of his appeals…

cut 11 (10) “after that”

Blanks execution could not have been carried out next month anyways, because the state Department of Corrections doesn’t have the necessary drugs to follow through with Blank’s execution. Clements also says Blanks is innocent. He says his client’s admission that he killed six people came towards the end of a 12-hour interrogation…

cut 12 (10) “physical reality”

Clements says the Louisiana Supreme Court needs time to look at Blank’s case.

Cut 13 (08)  “this case”

________________________________________________________

State Representative Kenny Cox of Natchitoches is proposing a higher tax on alcohol as a means for closing the state’s huge budget deficit. The proposed bill would raise Louisiana’s alcohol tax to the Southern regional averages. Cox says raising taxes is not his first option…

Cut 14 (05)  “do something” 

Under this bill, taxes would increase $3 per gallon for hard liquor and 34-cents per gallon for wine. The tax would go into effect April 1, although it is unclear how much revenue it would generate. Unlike other taxes proposed during this special session, this increase would be permanent.

Alcohol taxes in Louisiana have not been raised since 1948. John Williams with the Beer Industry League of Louisiana says the tax increase in 1948 devastated the beer brewing industry in Louisiana. He says Louisiana still has one of the highest alcohol taxes in the country.

Cut 15 (05) “excise tax” 

Craft beer breweries are a growing industry in Louisiana. Louisiana currently has 16 operating breweries, and another 5 or 6 are expected to open by the end of the summer. If the alcohol tax is raised, brewery operators fear that beer drinkers will switch to more affordable options as opposed to the expensive beers brewed in Louisiana.  State Representative Mike Huval of Breaux Bridge says this tax could hurt people that are trying to build their business in an already fragile economy.

Cut 16  (05)  “upcoming business“

A Lake Charles native has invented the first re-hydrating mouth guard. Emelie Gunn has more on the hands free system…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research shows a majority of Louisiana residents are not in favor of raising taxes to solve the state’s budget deficit. Halen Doughty has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Legislators have started proposing bills for the regular legislative session, one of which aims to keep citizens safe at movie theaters. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A Lake Charles man has developed a new way of keeping athletes hydrated during a game. Joseph Tucker created the Hydra-Guard, which is the first re-hydrating mouth guard in the world. Tucker says the mouth guard will be released online February 25^thand you can fill up the hands free system with water or your favorite sports drink.

cut 4  (10)  “the court”

Tucker says the mouth-guard is pressurized so the athlete just push their tongue against the roof of their mouth to release the liquid and can be refilled quickly. He says the pouch holding the liquid is sealed to the mouth-guard by a mechanical and chemical bond so it won’t get in the way while playing the game.

Cut 5  (08)  “breathability”

The mouth guard will retail for $34.99. Tucker says it holds just enough liquid to prevent athletes from getting dry mouth while playing. He anticipates the Hydra-Guard to be a big hit in Louisiana especially with our intense heat.

Cut 6 (09)  “healthy” 

 ______________________________________

A new poll shows that a vast majority of Louisiana residents do not support increasing taxes to help state government solve its huge budget deficit this fiscal year. Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 500 likely voters and 72% of them said “no” to raising taxes and fees. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because state government has lost credibility with the people of Louisiana.

CUT 7 (04)  “properly”

Pinsonat says his poll also shows 61% of the voters say the state government is spending too much money. He says the results from survey could make it tough for the governor to push for higher taxes…

Cut 8  (06)  “revenue problem”

The survey asked votes their opinions on certain taxes and a majority of people oppose raising income and state sales taxes, but Pinsonat says over 60% are in favor of increasing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.

Cut 9 (04)  “sin tax”

Pinsonat says “sin taxes” are the easiest to pass, but he is unsure whether they would generate enough revenue. He says the public is wary of raising taxes on businesses because of concern about the economy. 54% of people say the state budget can be balanced without raising taxes.

_________________________________________________________

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has proposed a bill for the regular session that would require metal detectors to be installed at movie theaters. This would prevent people from bringing weapons into theaters.

Cut 10 (07) “a weapon”

The bill comes as a response to the deadly shootings that occur at movie theaters around the country, including one in Lafayette last year. Norton says lawmakers need to keep Louisiana residents safe.

cut 11 (05) “are safe”

Under Norton’s proposed bill, movie theaters would face fines for not having metal detectors. Movie theaters across the country have been hesitant to install metal detectors because of costs. Norton says the added safety measure is well worth the price of protecting a person’s life.

cut 12 (07) “or safer”

________________________________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear testimony today for tax increases on tobacco, alcohol, Internet sales and car rentals. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics.com, says that legislators will not be voting on these proposed taxes yet.

Cut 13 (04)  “eventually vote”

Legislators will begin voting on these tax proposals, after they hear from supporters and opponents of each of the proposed taxes. Alford says Republicans have been hesitant about raising taxes, but it might be something they have to consider.

Cut 14 (05)  “be created” 

Legislators will examine carefully the fiscal notes for each proposal, which detail how much money each measure would raise. Alford says passing any of the proposed bills will take compromise from both sides.

Cut 15 (05) “to move” 

The committee will reportedly not hear corporate and personal income tax bills until next week.