Louisiana’s budget deficit has called into question the future of the TOPS scholarship program…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A former department of children and family services case worker faces charges for claiming to check on foster care children while employed by the state, but didn’t. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 President Obama is expected to nominate a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but Louisiana’s Republican Senators think we should wait. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Parents may not be able to count on the TOPS scholarship in the future, according to certified financial planner Anne Osestriecher. The state funded scholarship program has run into funding troubles as part of the state’s budget crisis. Osestriecher, who works out of Alexandria, says parents who have students that could be eligible for TOPS need to prepare for tuition costs…

cut 4  (05)  “can have”

Osestriecher says it could make more financial sense for parents to have their children live at home, while attending college. She says that will cut down on costly room and board expenses. She says applying for other scholarships is also an option.

Cut 5  (03)  “for them”

She says many scholarships go unclaimed every year because students simply do not apply for them. Osestriecher says community college and part-time jobs for students are things parents should think about as well. She says students may also need to consider what they can do to help finance their education.

Cut 6 (04)  “always loans” 

 ______________________________________

An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Department of Children and Family Services case worker, who allegedly falsified records regarding foster home visits when she worked for the state. 49-year-old Kimberly Lee of Calhoun is facing several criminal counts, including malfeasance in office. Inspector General Stephen Street says Lee is expected to surrender herself this week….

CUT 7 (08)  “occurred”

 Street says over a period of a year, between July of 2013 and August of 2014, Lee falsified documents on 20 separate occasions. He says after being interviewed by investigators, she admitted to falsifying the reports.

Cut 8  (10)  “buzzwords”

In a statement, DCFS says they have zero tolerance for any employee who puts children at risk or purposefully deceives the Department by falsifying documents. Street says child welfare has to be our first priority. He says the stakes are just too high to let incidents like this happen.

Cut 9 (09)  “accountable”

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President Barack Obama is expected to nominate a successor to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but Louisiana’s Republican US senators say the next President should select Scalia’s replacement. Senator David Vitter, who is a member of the judiciary committee, says the next Justice debate should be part of the presidential election…

Cut 10 (10) “tug of war”

Vitter says any nomination made by the President goes through the Judiciary Committee. He says the committee holds a hearing and then votes on the President’s choice, then it goes to the full Senate for a vote.

cut 11 (11) “American people”

 Republican Senator Bill Cassidy agrees with Vitter. He says let the next President nominate a new Supreme Court Justice.

cut 12 (08) “president”

Cassidy says the Supreme Court is fairly centrist right now but President Obama would like to shift it to the left. He says if the President nominates a replacement for Scalia, he doesn’t expect it to pass.

Cut 13 (10)  “to speak”

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The Republican Party is raising money to promote an ad that shows Governor John Bel Edwards saying on several occasions he would not raise taxes. The comments were taken when Edwards was running for governor. Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Jason Dore says Governor Edwards campaigned on a platform of not raising taxes.

Cut 14 (05)  “the opposite.” 

Dore says the governor promised to balance the budget by having fiscal responsibility and growing the economy, not by increasing taxes. With oil prices falling and the state entering into a recession, Dore says now is not the time to raise taxes for Louisiana residents.

Cut 15 (04) “and businesses” 

The 30 second ad, titled “Don’t Raise Taxes,” was released on Sunday. The Republican Party’s goal is to raise enough funds so they can air it on TV and radio stations.

Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk is disappointed by the the GOP’s tactics….

Cut 16  (05)  “in Baton Rouge“

Handwerk says that there are no good answers, and the GOP wants to make cuts that just are not possible.

Cut 17 (03) “the bone”

Handwerk says “there is no more fat to cut” in many programs, especially not fast enough to resolve the huge budget shortfall.

As part of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to fix the state budget, he’s proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert outlined 15 suggestions to resolve the state’s budget issues in a letter to lawmakers…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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As part of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to fix the state budget, he’s proposing roughly $160 million dollars in cuts. Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie says with a $957 million dollar deficit you have to look at more ways to manage spending…:

CUT 3 (06)  “to do there”

Henry says GOP lawmakers will look at every way to cut before anyone agrees to raise taxes. He says Louisiana can not continue spending more money than it makes…”

CUT 4 (09)  “concerned”

Edwards spoke with reporters following his opening remarks to lawmakers Sunday and said he’s leaving everything on the table…:

CUT 5 (07)  “as well”

Edwards says it’s impossible to operate on nothing…:

CUT 6 (13) “to happen”

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The Edwards Administration began detailing today its tax proposals that will be debated during the special session. Governor Edwards recommends a combination of budget cuts and revenue raising measures as a way to solve a $957 million deficit. State Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee about a proposed 1-cent state sales tax increase.

CUT 7 (09) “FY-17”

The tax increase, which would take effect by April 1, would generate an estimated $200 million for this fiscal year.

The current state sales tax is 4%. Robinson says even with the proposed one-cent sales tax increase, the amount of taxes Louisiana citizens pay, is below average when compared to other states….

CUT 8 (08) “in general”

The Edwards administration is also proposing changes to income taxes, plus seeking legislative support for higher alcohol and cigarette taxes as part of their revenue raising package. Robinson says the additional penny on the state sales tax would be temporary, until the deficit is resolved.

CUT 9 (10)  “phasing out”

Robinson said the so-called “clean penny tax” would not apply to areas of exemption including groceries, residential utilities, prescription medications and gas.

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A published report says Nicholls State is considering closing its doors for 12 days because of a lack of state funds. But Nicholls president, Doctor Bruce Murphy, says closing the campus for several days is the last option they would ever take. University of Louisiana System president, Doctor Dan Reneau, encouraged the Senate education committee to do what they can to keep college campuses open…

cut 10 (08)  “three weeks”

Lawmakers have until March ninth to come up with a funding solution that would spare higher education from deep budget cuts. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel is upset to see a headline that Nicholls plans to close, when that’s not the case…

Cut 11 (12) “down schools”

Reneau says depending on the size of the cut in state funding, mid-year closures could occur as some universities. But Appel warns higher ed leaders that these kinds of threats could become a “self fulfilling prophecy”…

cut 12 (10) “their problem”

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Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert recommends putting GPS devices on state vehicles and requiring state employees, including college professors, to be on a time clock while at work. Hebert provided other suggestions on how to control government spending in a letter to lawmakers. 

cut 13 (05)  “needed services”

Hebert says it is not fair to taxpayers for state workers to be paid for more work than they actually do. He believes using time clocks would resolve this issues.

cut 14 (07)  “day’s pay”

Hebert recently served as commissioner of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. At ATC, Hebert says he cut the number of employees in half, reduced the budget and increased services. Hebert says when he used GPS and time clocks at ATC, he made troubling discoveries about the employees.

cut 15 (06)  “an hour early”

Hebert’s other suggestions include tying pay to performance, monitoring civil service actions and settlements, stopping across-the-board cuts, and changing state supervisor-to-worker ratios.

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

The budget crisis in Louisiana has called into question the future of the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A state health director says Louisiana residents use caution when it comes to the Zika Virus, but they should not be alarmed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards urges lawmakers to work with his administration on solving this fiscal year’s 940-million dollar budget deficit. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s budget problems have raised concerns about the future of the state’s taxpayer funded college scholarship known as TOPS. The highly popular program has run into money issues, as the state may not have enough money to fully pay a recipients scholarship. Senate Education Chairman Blade Morrish says the legislature will look at options to control TOPS spending during the regular legislative session….

cut 4  (07)  “on TOPS”

According to Governor John Bel Edwards, TOPS is only funded at 25% for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, unless the legislature acts to change that, which means fewer scholarships would be awarded next year. Morrish says he believes limiting the amount a TOPS recipient receives might be their best course of action.

Cut 5  (05)  “number is”

Morrish has proposed bill to cap TOPS in the past, and he plans to propose bills on the TOPS issue in the upcoming regular session.

Morrish says if the legislature elects to make dramatic changes to TOPS, they will likely not take effect immediately, because it would be unfair to students who are already counting on the program.

Cut 6 (10)  “in high school” 

LOSFA has announced they will pay 80% of tuition, and universities will have to absorb the remaining 20%. No students will be billed for the current semester.

______________________________________

Louisiana’s two largest public school teacher unions, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Educators, announced they are teaming up in an effort to prevent cuts to public school funding. LAE President Debbie Meaux believes they can achieve powerful results by working together…

CUT 7 (06)  “of Louisiana”

Meaux says the unions also want to make sure that the accountability and evaluation systems are in place for both students and teachers in Louisiana. Meaux says the unions are afraid the legislature won’t go along with the governor’s plan to increase taxes and public schools could lose funding.

Cut 8  (06)  “is possible”

The governor’s proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1st does not call for a reduction of state funding for public schools and Meaux says the LFT and LAE would like for that to remain the case….

Cut 9 (05)  “our children”

The special legislative session began Sunday and must end by March 9^th. Lawmakers will attempt to resolve a 940-million dollar deficit this fiscal year.

_________________________________________________________

The Zika virus may be cause for caution but not alarm. That’s according to state health director, Doctor Frank Welch, with the state department of health and hospitals. Welch says The Zika virus is transmitted by a certain kind of mosquito that is not active in Louisiana at this time and he says the mosquito borne disease is not harmful to most who get it….

Cut 10 (07) “they’re sick”

The Zika virus is not new. It has been around since the late 1970s in South America and has since moved into the Caribbean. Two Louisiana residents who recently traveled to the Caribbean, were recently diagnosed with the Zika virus, after complaining about a minor illness. Welch says when people are infected, the illness usually does not last very long.

cut 11 (05) “five days”

People travelling to the Caribbean, where the disease is prevalent, should also take extra precautions. Welch says that while the virus is not cause for alarm among most people, pregnant women should take extra precautions.

cut 12 (07) “defects happen”

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Governor John Bel Edwards tells lawmakers that the state can’t cut its way out of its fiscal problems. That’s how a three and a half week long special session got underway last night as Edwards told House and Senate members that some tax increases will be needed to address a 940-million dollar budget deficit this fiscal year…

Cut 13 (10)  “so massive”

Many republican lawmakers have already expressed reservations about raising taxes. Edwards says he doesn’t want partisan politics to get in the way of doing what’s right for the state

Cut 14 (12)   (applause building)

Republican West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth is optimistic the GOP legislature can work with the Democratic Edwards administration on a solution to fixing the state’s budget problems

Cut 15 (10) “I believe” 

Walsworth believes there’s some departments in state government that is overspending. The special session must conclude by March 9th and republican Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson wants to use this time to look at ways to reduce spending…

Cut 16  (08)  “uninformed“

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A big second half helped LSU pick up a quality win at home to help boost its NCAA tournament resume. The Tigers outscored Texas A&M by nine points in the second half to beat the Aggies 76-71. Coach Johnny JOnes says his team executed well in the final 20 minutes of this game…

Cut 17 (17) “game today”

The victory improves LSU’s overall record to 16-9, 9-3 in the SEC and tied with Kentucky for first place in the league standings. We are about a month away from NCAA Tournament selection Sunday and Coach Johnny Jones says wins like this can help LSU’s at-large bid, but they need to keep piling up victories.

Cut 18 (11) “about that”

LSU is considered to be on the bubble when it comes to getting in the NCAA Tournament. Jones doesn’t want his team focusing on the tournament projections, instead the team should remain concentrated on getting as many wins as possible…

Cut 19 (14) “for us”

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. Michelle Southern has a preview…:(starts with cut)

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says severe budget cuts could mean no LSU football next fall. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. The adopted economic forecast projects the next deficit is around $2 billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they don’t plan to sugarcoat the facts..:

CUT 3 (06)  “completely recovered”

Dardenne says if lawmakers want to spend only the money that they think is coming in to Louisiana in FY-17, here’s the budget and it’s not pretty. He says this is not what they want…:

CUT 4 (10)  “a reality”

Dardenne says legislators and the public aren’t going to like it, but they will be given the honest truth…:

CUT 5 (10)  “materialize”

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In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said there is a possibility there will be no LSU football next fall unless legislators resolve the state’s budget deficit. Political analyst Clancy Dubos does not think Edwards wants to make these cuts, but the governor’s hands are tied unless taxes are raised.

CUT 6 (04) “at that”

The state’s budget deficit is $940 million for this fiscal year, and almost $2 billion for the next fiscal year. Dubos says this kind of scare tactic is common among government officials who seek to raise taxes.

CUT 7 (05) “everywhere”

Dubos said former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards used scare tactics effectively to raise revenue.

CUT 8 (08) “kidney machines”

A special legislative session to address the state’s budget begins Sunday.

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The Americans for Prosperity releases a poll that shows a majority of Louisiana residents oppose Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposals to increase sales and personal income taxes to address the state’s budget deficit. A-F-P state director Phillip Joffrion says these increases are disrespectful to the people of Louisiana.

CUT 9 (08)  “their means”

Joffrion says the sales tax increase would put Louisiana at the highest combined local and state sales tax in the country.  Americans for Prosperity also released an online ad criticizing the governor’s proposals. Joffrion says their goal is to educate the people of Louisiana about these proposed tax hikes.

cut 10 (09)  “their say”

Joffrion says their poll shows the citizens of Louisiana were more accepting of the increase of cigarette and alcohol taxes. But he says ultimately more taxes are not the solution to our state’s budget crisis and citizens who oppose higher taxes need to speak up…

Cut 11 (10) “for us”

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Louisiana’s Longest Know Married Couple of 2016 has been announced by the Louisiana Family Forum. For the second year in a row, Lawrence and Varrie Player have been the married the longest in Louisiana, tying the knot 81 years ago. L-F-F President Gene Mills says Lawrence is 101-years-old and Varrie is 97.

cut 12 (07) “celebrate them”

Mills says the Player’s are unable to travel to the special reception honoring the top 10 longest married couples at the Governor’s Mansion today, so a celebration will be hosted at their home in Benton. He says this couple is a model for Louisiana families.

cut 13 (11)  “self”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says TOPS students will not get a tuition bill this semester, despite money troubles with the popular taxpayer funded program. Edwards says if the state is unable to pay a TOPS recipient’s tuition, colleges will absorb those costs…

cut 14 (06)  “current semester”

Edwards says not enough money was appropriated for the TOPS program this year. He says they are about 28-million dollars short and it will be up to each individual or college to pick up the rest of the costs

cut 15 (04)  “tuition bill”

Edwards says while TOPS students will have their scholarships fully paid for this year, next school year is a different story, if the state doesn’t raise revenue to help pay for this government program and others

cut 16 (05)  “funded next year”

Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said that unless the legislature approves tax increases, colleges and hospitals will close. Halen Doughty reports…..

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state’s flu bug expert says Louisiana is in the middle of one of its slowest flu seasons ever. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Louisiana National Guard spokesman Col Pete Schneider says it will take about 4 days to get the massive structure installed…:

cut 4  (10)  “operating”

The 400,000 pound tank made the journey by road from the Port of Natchitoches to Minden this week, and Schneider says they’ve had fantastic cooperation from communities, law enforcement and utility companies affected by the move. He says they expect it will take about 30-35 days to make sure everything is working properly…:

Cut 5  (04)  “of the M6”

Explosive Service International is in charge of the contained burn and Schneider says their intent is to burn non-stop once they check then double check that everything is in order…:

Cut 6 (08)  “million pounds” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says colleges and hospitals will close and critical healthcare services will be eliminated if the state legislature does not approve higher taxes to help close a $940 million budget deficit this fiscal year. Edwards made the comments during a special address that was aired on TV and radio stations.

CUT 7 (12)  “as well”

Edwards even suggested there would be no college football next fall because the players would not be able to complete their spring semester if colleges are forced to close before May.  The governor says he is proposing significant cuts to the budget, but it will also take from the legislature to raise revenue in order to stabilize the budget.

Cut 8  (09)  “state strong”

After Edwards spoke, State Treasurer John Kennedy provided the Republican Party’s response. Kennedy says raising revenue is not the answer to the state’s budget problems.

Cut 9 (07)  “run deficits”

Kennedy says there are plenty of areas the state can reduce spending and he has provide the legislature with ample suggestions.

Cut 10 (09) “hurting anyone”

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Louisiana is experiencing one of its slowest flu seasons in several years. That’s according to Dr. Frank Welch, an influenza expert with the state department of health and hospitals. Welch says doctors are seeing very few flu cases…

cut 11 (09) “flu-like illness”

This slow season comes in stark contrast to last year’s terrible flu season, which exerts said was one of the worst. Welch says that the flu virus can be unpredictable, but this season is off to a slow start. He credits this year’s warmer weather for the low number of flu cases.

cut 12 (09) “a lot better”

Welch says that more people were vaccinated for the flu this year, which may be another contributing factor for this year’s slow flu season. He advises people to get flu vaccines to keep the number of flu cases at a minimum.

Cut 13 (08)  “flu shot”

The peak of the Flu season in Louisiana typically peaks in late February or early March. Welch says we will not be out of the woods until early April.

____________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance has notified colleges and universities that due to uncertainty over potential budget cuts they are holding off on making any TOPS payments. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it would be a huge disaster for Louisiana if it’s unable to pay a TOPS recipients full tuition for this semester…

Cut 14 (08) “being taken away”

A spokesperson for the office of student financial assistance says the suspension of TOPS payments to public colleges is just a precautionary measure. Pinsonat says the state’s taxpayer funded scholarship program is very popular and this development will have TOPS recipients alarmed…

Cut 15 (10) “almost outrageous.” 

Pinsonat says he can’t see how the state doesn’t fufill it’s promise that they would pay a student’s full tuition if they reached certain academic achievements…

Cut 16  (08)  “more explanation“

Louisiana is in the midst of a financial crisis, but analysts say other states have been through this too. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy will each give their views on the budget crisis tonight. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The State Department of Health and Hospitals is investigating two possible Zika cases in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch, with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, says officials learned of these two cases after the patients complained to their doctors about feeling ill after visiting the Caribbean.

CUT 3 (06)  “completely recovered”

Neither of the patients required hospitalization and they were counseled to avoid mosquito bites, so the disease doesn’t spread in Louisiana. Welch says at this point, Louisiana residents shouldn’t be concerned about getting the Zika Virus, because local transmission is very unlikely at this time….

CUT 4 (08)  “right now”

Most people who get the Zika virus are unaware they have it. Welch says it’s a mild illness, but it can cause birth defects if pregnant women are infected.  He says Zika could become a problem in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer.

CUT 5 (08)  “be prepared”

Welch encourages people to do what they can to prevent the spread of the virus by wearing long sleeves and bug repellent, avoiding standing water, and watching for possible Zika symptoms.

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Louisiana is going through some major financial trouble right now, but analysts say we aren’t the first or last state to see issues like this. Political pollster Ron Faucheux says most states have improved their fiscal situation since the the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009…:

CUT 6 (09) “have rebounded”

Governor John Bel Edwards is broadcasting a rare address this evening to let the public know exactly what Louisiana is facing. The projected shortfall for this fiscal year is around $870 million dollars, and the budget year that begins July 1st is short about $2 billion. Faucheux says, unlike Louisiana, other states struggle when gas prices are high…:

CUT 7 (11) “after the hurricane”

Faucheux says this doesn’t mean Louisiana is isolated from the rest of the nation, but economic waves tend to be felt here on a different time table. He says raising taxes and cutting spending are quick ways to rebound, but
money matters here run much deeper…:

CUT 8 (09) “in the state”

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Louisiana Researchers have played a role in detecting gravitational waves, which Albert Einstein predicted would occur as part of his general theory of relativity. LSU astronomy professor, Gabriela Gonzalez, says their observatory in Livingston Parish observed the ripples in the fabric of spacetime on September 14th….

CUT 9 (09)  “black holes”

Gonzales says two black holes colliding some one-point-three billion years ago created the gravitational wave that was detected in Livingston Parish and at another facility in Washington…

cut 10 (10)  away”

Instruments recorded the sound of the black holes colliding. All it is was a “chirp” that lasted less than a second.  But Gonzales says this type of discovery can help scientists learn more about how the universe works…

Cut 11 (10) “listening to the universe”

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State Police is partnering with Blue Cross to help with the safe disposal of prescription medication in central and northwest Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt says in the front of the Troop F station in Monroe they’ve set out a box similar to a mail box for people to safely discard old or unwanted medication. He says the abuse of prescription medication in teens has become a growing problem…

cut 12 (09) “age group”

Reichardt says the normal methods of flushing old prescriptions down the toilet or throwing them in the trash are still effective. He says this is just an additional option of getting rid of the medications.

cut 13 (06)  “our office”

Reichardt says drop boxes are outside of Troop E and F stations in Monroe and Alexandria. He says they won’t take any needles or intravenous drugs in the boxes.

cut 14 (08)  “a doctor”

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After an identity hearing in California today, a judged has ruled Frank Selas is former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder” who is accused of committing sex crimes in Louisiana in the 70s. Lt. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says now the process of getting Selas back to Louisiana begins…

cut 15 (09)  “governor’s warrant”

Mr. Wonder was living in San Diego at the time he was arrested. Carnline says everyone in Rapides Parish is anxious to get Selas back in Louisiana.

cut 16 (08)  “37 years”

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump will host a rally tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center. Emelie Gunn has more on why Trump is making an appearance in the Bayou State…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A lawmaker from Baton Rouge files legislation which seeks to allow Louisiana residents to possess a concealed handgun without a permit. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Burger King announces they’ll add hot dogs to their menu starting February 23^rd. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Fresh off his primary win in New Hampshire, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump will hold a rally tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center. Political Analyst John Couvillion says new life has been breathed into Trump’s campaign, but to get the nomination, he’ll need to outperform Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the southern states…

cut 4  (10)  “March 1”

The Louisiana Presidential Primary election is March 5^th. Couvillion explains why Trump is visiting Louisiana tonight, when the next primary is in South Carolina….

Cut 5  (09)  “be concluded”

Couvillon expects the tonight’s rally in downtown Baton Rouge to be packed with supporters. He says the record turnout of Republicans in Iowa and New Hampshire shows we’ll likely see engaged primary voters attending.

Cut 6 (05)  “that trend” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards will address Louisiana citizens tonight to discuss the state’s historic budget deficit. This address comes ahead of the special legislative session that begins Sunday, where lawmakers will have to come up with a plan to combat an 870-million dollar budget deficit.  UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says that this kind of speech is unprecedented.

CUT 7 (08)  “on them”

Louisiana needs to boost state revenue and make cuts to the current budget to resolve the $870 million budget shortfall, which must be filled by June 30th. Cross says this will be a difficult task for legislatures.

Cut 8  (04)  “to get through”

The address will be aired at 6:30 pm on major television and radio stations. Cross says that the Governor’s address should make the public aware of the magnitude of the current budget crisis.

Cut 9 (05)  “as usual”

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that seeks to change the state constitution to allow Louisiana residents to possess a concealed handgun without needing a permit. Republican State Representative Barry Ivey says that this law would apply only to non-felon residents.

Cut 10 (12) “of a firearm”

Current Louisiana law allows residents 21 and over to carry a non-concealed handgun without a permit. A concealed carry permit requires completion of a safety course and payment of a $125 fee for a 5 year permit. Ivey attempted to pass a similar bill to stop requiring a permit in 2014 but was unsuccessful. He says this time he has a much better chance.

cut 11 (06) “two years ago”

Ivey’s proposed constitutional amendment would need two-thirds approval in the House and Senate and a majority vote from the public. Ivey has been collecting signatures for a petition on this issue for the past two years. He says public support will have a huge impact on passing the bill and encourages voters to contact their legislatures.

cut 12 (09) “of Louisiana”

______________________________________

The fast food chain Burger King announces they’ll add hot dogs to their menu starting February 23^rd. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says McDonald’s just went to all day breakfast and this is Burger King’s way of opening a new market…

Cut 13 (10)  “grilled dog”

Fast food chain Sonic also sells hot dogs, but they have a lot of varieties. Rice says Burger King decided to only offer the classic grilled hot dog and the chili cheese dog.

Cut 14 (09) “they did”

Rice says it remains to be seen how well the hot dogs will do, but Burger King is calling it their biggest launch since the chicken sandwich in the 70s.

Cut 15 (08) “segment.” 

_____________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns put their eight game winning streak on the line tonight when they host Arkansas State at the Cajundome. UL Lafayette is also undefeated at home and Coach Bob Marlin hopes their winning ways in front of the Cajun fans continues…

Cut 16  (24)  “the season“

The Cajuns are 9-3 in league play, two games behind Sun Belt leader Arkansas-Little Rock. UL Lafayette will host UALR on Saturday. Marlin says he can tell the fanbase is fired up about the team’s recent winning ways…

Cut 17 (16) “your team”

At one point this season, the Cajuns were 5 and eight, now they are 13-8. Marlin on the difference between then and now…

Cut 18 (13) “more confidence”

______________________________________

State lawmakers have started filing bills for the special session to address Louisiana’s current budget crisis. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will give a special televised address to the people of Louisiana tomorrow night. Emelie Gunn has more on what the governor will say…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State lawmakers have started filing bills for the special session, and one of the first measures proposed would increase the state tax on a pack of cigarettes another 22-cents to $1.08 per pack. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says this tax will generate more state revenue and could save money on healthcare if the tax encourages people to quit smoking.

CUT 3 (05)  “as well”

Last year lawmakers increased the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 50-cents. If the proposed bill passes, the tax will go into effect on April 1. Hoffman says the state needs the additional money from the tax this year as Louisiana faces an 870-million dollar shortfall.

CUT 4 (05)  “as possible”

The special session to address the state’s budget will start Sunday, and it will last three and half weeks. Hoffman says he’ll push a higher cigarette tax, but it is still important to make cuts in the budget while increasing revenue.

CUT 5 (06)  “across the state”

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Louisiana’s budget problems are getting worse. The Revenue Estimating Conference has revised the deficit for this fiscal year from 750-million to 870-million dollars. The legislature’s chief economist Greg Albrecht says Louisiana’s lagging economy is impacting state tax collections

CUT 6 (10) “state recession”

The budget deficit for next fiscal year has swelled past two billion dollars. Low oil prices are to blame for the less than anticipated revenues, but that’s not the only issue. Albrecht says corporate tax collections are also very week…

CUT 7 (08) “for the year”

State lawmakers will meet for a special session that starts on Sunday and attempt to come up with a rebalanced budget that takes into account the 870-million dollar shortfall. The administration’s chief economist Manfred Dix says the oil industry is not the only sector of our economy that’s struggling

CUT 8 (07) “negative territory”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will publicly address the people of Louisiana about the state’s huge budget shortfall. The address will air Thursday night at 6:30 on television and radio stations. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it’s rare for a Louisiana governor to give a televised speech, but the state is facing a difficult situation….

CUT 9 (11)  “the reforms”

Stockley says Governor Edwards will inform the public that we are in a severe fiscal crisis and there will be no easy solutions to fix this problem. He says the governor will tell voters difficult decisions will have to be made by the legislature….

cut 10 (09)  general public”

Stockley says the governor is making an effort to restore the fiscal foundation of the state, without making major cuts to higher education and health care.

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

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Drive up ashes for people on this Ash Wednesday are becoming increasingly popular in our fast paced lives. LSU Religious Studies professor Michael Pasquier says that these mobile ash distribution sites are a response to busy lifestyles…

cut 12 (05) “the congregations”

Pasquier says some churches may have to accept that members of the congregation do not have time for the regular Ash Wednesday services.

cut 13 (10)  “day to day life”

Pasquier says, even though some people may be critical of the mobile ashing, this is something more churches are considering to cater to their members’ schedules…

cut 14 (07)  “are making”

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This year could be one of the best for crawfish in Louisiana. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Central is the most boring city in Louisiana, according to a ranking complied by the website Road Snacks. Emelie Gunn has more on the factors that go into the ranking…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Representative Mike Johnson, a Republican from Bossier City, announces his candidacy in the wide open 4th Congressional District race. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany introduces legislation that seeks to block President Obama’s proposed $10 tax on a barrel of oil to pay for a new 21st century clean transportation system. Boustany says a new tax on oil will hit an industry that has already struggled over the past year…:

cut 4  (09)  “hurting now”

Boustany says it’s not right that the president is trying to fund his environmental agenda on the backs of hard-working Louisiana families in the oil & gas sector…:

Cut 5  (09)  “at its worst”

Boustany says many sectors that support the oil and gas industry are also suffering in the face of these historic low prices per barrel. He says in the last quarter of 2015, national economic growth slowed to 0.7 percent.:

Cut 6 (10)  “not a good idea” 

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A member of the Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board says we could see one of the best years for crawfish out of the Atchafalaya basin in recent memory. Wild crawfish farmer Sherbin Collette of Henderson credits El Nino for providing warmer weather and high waters that will contribute to both the size and number of wild crawfish.

CUT 7 (07)  “in the basin”

The high waters flushed out many swamps that have not been fished in years, leading to an abundance of crawfish. Collette says the crawfish should be bigger this season because of the warmer, cleaner water in the basin.

Cut 8  (06)  no doubt about that”

Although the crawfish should be big and plentiful, don’t expect to see much of a drop in price. Collette explains that more people will be fishing for crawfish to make a living due to fewer jobs in the oil industry.

Cut 9 (06)  “can’t make it”

Crawfish season in Louisiana runs mid-January through early-July with the peak months being March, April and May.

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According to a complex algorithm developed by the website Roadsnacks, Central is the most boring town in the state of Louisiana. Spokesperson Nick James says most would agree that people who are older than 65, are married, and have kids are typically boring. He says they looked at city population data to come up with their list of 10 most boring Louisiana places.

Cut 10 (10) “older folks”

Coming in second place was Mandeville, Franklin 3^rd, Springhill 4^th and Minden 5^th. James says towns where the population is younger, they aren’t tied down and go out and have fun are the places that weren’t ranked as boring. He says they did this research scientifically without polling and seem to get positive results…

cut 11 (10) “the head”

 Rounding out the top ten were the cities of Slidell, Zachary, Oakdale, Covington, and Denham Springs. James says these towns are not bad, they just don’t have as much going on as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

cut 12 (09) “our lists”

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State Representative Mike Johnson, a Republican from Bossier City, announces his candidacy in the wide open 4th Congressional District race. The seat is being vacated by Congressman John Fleming who’s running for US Senate. Political analyst Elliott Stonecipher says Johnson joins many other names that have expressed interest in the race…:

Cut 13 (08)  “relatively wealthy”

Johnson gained name recognition after authoring the controversial “religious freedom” bill in the legislature. The measure failed but grew support from groups who oppose same-sex marriage, and criticism from those saying the bill would promote discrimination. Stonecipher says these candidates will need to curry favor with voters in Caddo…:

Cut 14 (09) “from Caddo”

Stonecipher says this is anyone’s race as the voters of the 4th District aren’t used to having so many candidates to choose from…:

Cut 15  (09) “a rush I think”

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The LSU men’s basketball team plays the first of two consecutive games against ranked teams tonight when they visit 20th ranked South Carolina. After tonight, it’s 13th ranked Texas A-and-M at home on Saturday. Coach Johnny Jones squad enters this stretch of games in first place in the league standings and understands a good week puts them in position to win an SEC title

Cut 16  (12)  “of games“

LSU enters the game with a record of 8-2 in the SEC. Senior guard Keith Hornsby says they can’t feel satisfied with what they’ve done…

Cut 17 (12) “of business”

Freshman Antonio Blakeney is coming off a 31 point performance in a win over Mississippi State and is trying not to get too hyped

Cut 18 (07) “of what we do”

Mamou’s famous Courier de Mardi Gras begins today with the town’s unique traditions. Emelie Gunn has more on the celebrations…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking suggestions from the public on ways to resolve the 750-million dollar shortfall this fiscal year and 1-point-9 billion dollars next fiscal year. Halen Doughty reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A statue honoring the late Pete Maravich has been approved by the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. The legendary athlete is still college basketball’s all-time leading scorer at 3,667 points. Former LSU Basketball player Collis Temple Jr. says Maravich’s scoring record is unrivaled and is happy there will be statue of “Pistol Pete”….

CUT 3 (10)  “what he did”

The stumbling block for a Maravich statue has been that “Pistol Pete” passed away a few credit hours short of earning an LSU degree. The LSU Board of Supervisors recently made changes to a policy that opened the door for a Maravich statue. Temple Jr. says Maravich deserves this honor…

CUT 4 (05)  “deserved it”

Shaquille O’ Neal’s statue is in front of the entrance to the LSU basketball facility. Another statue will go up later this month for Bot Petit. The design for Maravich’s statue will be announced in the coming months, and it wiill be erected on campus next to the building named for him. Temple Jr. says Maravich deserves a statue because of the positive impact he had on LSU.

CUT 5 (10)  “Louisiana State University”

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It’s a beautiful day for the Courier de Mardi Gras in Mamou. Mayor Ricky Fontenot says not only does this Mardi Gras celebration has a great economic impact on the town but it’s also been a tradition for years and years. He says they partake in the festivities a little differently than New Orleans…

CUT 6 (10) “in Mamou”

Fontenot says Mamou is like a little New Orleans because people from all over flock there for the Mardi Gras celebrations. He says the traditional celebration starts off early at 6 am…

CUT 7 (09) “a gumbo”

Fontenot says the last three years the weather has been horrible so everyone is looking forward to today’s sunshine. He says it’s important to keep these traditions going because it’s part of Mamou’s heritage.

CUT 8 (10) “it down”

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Louisiana is facing the worst budget crisis in state history. Governor John Bel Edwards has put together a special web page to solicit public input on how to handle the state’s budget crisis. The governor’s director of communications Richard Carbo explains that the purpose of the site is to inform the public and get suggestions from citizens.

CUT 9 (09)  “their feedback”

The site can be found at gov-dot-louisiana-dot-gov. Governor Edwards has made several suggestions for stabilizing the budget, which is facing a 750-million dollar shortfall this fiscal year and 1-point-9 billion dollars next fiscal year. Carbo emphasizes the importance of public involvement and encourages people to contact their legislator.

cut 10 (07)  “your feedback”

The website features a form that allows people to ask additional questions about the state budget. Carbo says that the Governor’s Office will do it’s best to answer all the questions submitted through the website.

Cut 11 (09) “some information”

A special session to address the state’s budget issues is set to begin Sunday.

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The website Trulia ranked the most Saintly Sanctuaries and Sin cities in the country and to no surprise, New Orleans comes in a number one for a sinful city. Spokesperson Filipe Chacon says they complied the seven deadly sins to decide which places were full of envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, vanity, and wrath…

cut 12 (08) “on that”

Chacon says the number of gambling establishments per household ranked highly in the categories of lust and greed for New Orleans. He says Shreveport came in as the number seven sin city in the country and both Louisiana cities come in pretty high on the list for sloth…

cut 13 (10)  “even”

Chacon says Shreveport and New Orleans beat out the original “sin city” because of Las Vegas’ low numbers in envy and gluttony. He says New Orleans ranked number one, despite receiving a low ranking for vanity…

cut 14 (11)  “surgeon offices”

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