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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

cut 4  (09)  “menu of options”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “sales tax free”

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

Cut 6 (12)  “those cuts” 

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

CUT 7 (05)  “on cigarettes”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “per day”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “to none”

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

Cut 10 (10) “involved” 

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

cut 11 (08) “to capture”

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

Cut 12 (10) “and marriage”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “50 days”

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

Cut 14 (11) “of the country”

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

Cut 15  (10) “entrenched bureaucrats”

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

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 3 (08)  “the gas pump”

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

CUT 4 (09)  “crude oil prices”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “25 dollars”

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

CUT 6 (09) “around the country”

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

CUT 7 (06) “in activity”

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

CUT 8 (08) “it gets here”

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

CUT 9 (11)  “gonna like” (2x)

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

cut 10 (12)  “Big Freedia”

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

Cut 11 (12) “under $10”

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

cut 12 (10) “to trial”

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

cut 13 (02)  “to watch”

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

cut 14 (09)  “is one”

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

cut 15 (10)  “the threat”

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

cut 16 (08)  “a relationship”

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

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

cut 4  (11)  “those options”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “in MFP dollars”

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

Cut 6 (09)  “works best” 

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

CUT 7 (08)  “he was”

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

Cut 8  (07)  “I did”

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

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

Cut 9 (12)  “been my life”

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

Cut 10 (10) “initiative” 

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

cut 11 (10) “for references”

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

Cut 12 (10) “tax preparer”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “how little it is”

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

Cut 14 (09) “$65″

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

Cut 15  (10) “Louisiana drivers”

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

Cut 16  (10)  “linebacker position”

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

Cut 17 (11) “football team”

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

Cut 18 (15) “done by Les”

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

Cut 19 (15) “guarding Ben”

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

Cut 20 (08) “of him”

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

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (32)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

CUT 3 (10)  “of the friends”

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

CUT 4 (09)  “injured Anderson”

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

CUT 5 (08)  “it was not”

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

CUT 6 (10) “organization, totally”

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

CUT 7 (10) “high moments”

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

CUT 8 (11) “is 2016”

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

CUT 9 (10)  “sugar high”

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

cut 10 (06)  “to them”

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

Cut 11 (04) “at the store”

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

cut 12 (07) “so critical”

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

cut 13 (09)  “buying opportunity”

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

cut 14 (07)  “you should be fine”

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

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

cut 4  (11)  “anticipate”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “those balances”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “disadvantage” 

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

CUT 7 (10)  “to quit”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “smoking cigarettes”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “determination”

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

Cut 10 (11) “this year” 

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

cut 11 (08) “with that”

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

Cut 12 (10) “and advance”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “state police”

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

Cut 14 (06) “been charged”

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

Cut 15  (09) “species”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “this spring”

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

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 3 (07)  “by the House”

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

CUT 4 (11)  “new administration”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “stack up”

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

CUT 6 (08) “next year”

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

CUT 7 (09) “revenue”

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

CUT 8 (06) “whatever reason”

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

CUT 9 (10)  “in the playoffs”

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

cut 10 (08)  “shocking development”

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

Cut 11 (09) “three years”

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

cut 12 (12) “2015”

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

cut 13 (06)  “regarding the case”

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

cut 14 (09)  “it doesn’t”

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

cut 15 (10)  “taken lightly”

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

cut 16 (07)  “as well”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

cut 4  (06)  “right now”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “go down”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “a lot worse” 

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

CUT 7 (09)  “elsewhere”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “historic properties”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “death threats”

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

Cut 10 (10) “those issues” 

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

cut 11 (09) “are important”

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

Cut 12 (08) “special session”

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

Cut 13 (09)  “not going to be easy”

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

Cut 14 (09) “this event”

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

Cut 15  (15) “Ben is better”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “it’s surreal”

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

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

CUT 3 (11)  “of providers”

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

CUT 4 (07)  “indigent care”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “of Louisiana”

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

CUT 6 (12) “state’s finances”

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

CUT 7 (09) “pulled together”

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

CUT 8 (08) “in Louisiana”

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

CUT 9 (05)  “gumbo”

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

cut 10 (09)  “or never”

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

Cut 11 (07) “same room”

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

cut 12 (09) “can’t undo it”

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

cut 13 (08)  “of those teams”

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

cut 14 (09)  “colder water”

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

cut 15 (10)  “very rare”

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

cut 16 (11)  “2006”

Louisiana is the worst state in the US according to Politico Magazine. Jeff Palermo has more on why we fell to the bottom…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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President Barack Obama is in Baton Rouge this morning. Emelie Gunn tells us what the Commander in Chief is up to….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The hand written journal of Lafayette theater shooter John Russell Houser has been released. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is the worst state in the country according to a report by Politico Magazine. The findings come from factors like education, health, crime and employment. Deputy Editor Margaret Slattery says Louisiana was second to last in 2015…

cut 4  (10)  “as well”

 Slattery says Louisiana can use this bottom ranking to try to improve and make positive changes.

Cut 5  (08)  “the line”

New Hampshire was ranked as the best state by Politico. Slattery says Louisiana often ranks low on lists like this. She says they’re measuring how each state ranks in areas like wealth, health, income equality, and employment to determine which is the best to live in.

Cut 6 (08)  “better off” 

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President Barack Obama speaks this morning at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge where he is expected to talk about health care, jobs and early childhood education. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says it’s great that the president is visiting our state and we need to take advantage of this opportunity.

CUT 7 (10)  “Capital City”

Richmond says Obama will address the expansion of Medicaid in Louisiana and the importance of covering working individuals who typically wouldn’t qualify.

Cut 8  (10)  “tremendously”

The visit is part of the President’s annual trip to various cities after he gives the State of the Union Address. This is the 10^th time he has visited the Bayou State since becoming President.  Richmond says he wasn’t surprised when President Obama chose to visit Louisiana in his final year of office.

Cut 9 (09)  “those things”

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The hand written journal of Lafayette theater shooter John Russell Houser has been released. Houser killed 2 and injured 9 others in the July shooting at Lafayette’s Grand 16 theater before turning his gun on himself. UL-Lafayette Criminal Justice instructor Paula Broussard says Houser’s journal is similar to what is found in a lot of mass murders communications…

Cut 10 (09) “of society” 

The journal seems to be a collection of random thoughts and offers few clues on why Houser went on the shooting rampage in July. Broussard says the writings of Houser show that he suffered from some mental issues…

cut 11 (10) “non-functioning”

Houser references accused South Carolina church shooter Dylann Roof in his journal, thanking him for the “wake up call.” Broussard says it’s not unusual for mass murderers to admire and want to copy what a previous mass murderer did…

Cut 12 (06) “to do, too”

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After taking an aerial tour of from Vidalia to Morgan City, Governor John Bel Edwards is confident the rising Mississippi River will be contained within the state’s levee system. Edwards made stops in Vidalia, Morgan City, and Krotz Springs Wednesday. He says he’s confident the worst case scenario regarding Mississippi River flooding has been avoided…

Cut 13 (10)  “in 2011”

He praised the work of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana National Guard in keeping the flood threat at bay. The Mississippi is expected to crest at 56.5 feet in Vidalia Sunday, nearly 4 feet lower than earlier projections. Edwards says lessons learned during the Great Flood of 2011 are really paying off now…

Cut 14 (09) “this event”

He says relief wells installed since 2011 are really working to prevent flooding. Edwards says important that we take lessons from this flood event and use them to aid future events…

Cut 15  (08) “to do that”

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The LSU football team is still waiting to hear if a couple of starters on its 2015 defense will return for their senior seasons. Starting middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith is still considering a jump to the pros, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Beckwith would not be drafted in the first or second round, so he should come back

Cut 16  (19)  “do everything”

Underclassmen prospects in college have until January 18th to declare for the NFL draft. Detillier would be surprised if cornerback Tredavious White returned for his senior season…

Cut 17 (12) “pretty quickly”

Detillier says Beckwith would benefit by playing for new LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda…

Cut 18 (20) “draft stock”

There is strong opposition to Governor John Bel Edwards executive order to expand Medicaid access in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Lafayette Police Department has released a copy of Lafayette theater shooter John Russell Houser’s hand written journal. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards wants to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana but he’s facing opposition from a key member of the Senate. Columbia Senator Neil Riser, new Senate Labor Committee Chairman, says he will oppose any bill that raises Louisiana’s minimum wage. Riser says a minimum wage increase would do further harm to the state’s fragile economy…

CUT 3 (10)  “to 50-percent”

The governor reportedly wants to increase the state’s minimum wage to $8.25 an hour, one dollar above the federal minimum that Louisiana currently recognizes. Riser says a minimum wage hike would also harm job creation. He says, at this time, the state’s business community cannot support the pay hike…

CUT 4 (05)  “over the state”

Any bill that would raise Louisiana’s minimum wage would likely come through Riser’s committee. Riser feels $7.25 an hour gives employees a fair starting point…

CUT 5 (08)  “paying jobs”

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There is strong opposition to Governor John Bel Edwards executive order to expand Medicaid access in Louisiana. Dawn Starns, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says they are disappointed in the governor’s decision. She feels there are bigger problems facing the state that should be handled first…

CUT 6 (10) “down the road”

The federal government covers the initial costs of Medicaid expansion, but the state’s cost will grow to 10 percent in coming years. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany feels it’s irresponsible to move forward with Medicaid expansion without making changes to the current program. He says we should look to provide health care that is affordable with a focus on quality…

CUT 7 (06) “of those things”

However, the Louisiana AARP applauds Governor Edwards executive order. State Director Denise Bottcher believes Medicaid expansion will go a long way to make Louisiana a healthier state. She says this can make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Louisianians…

CUT 8 (08) “in Louisiana”

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid expansion will help nearly 49,000 Louisianians under the age of 65 who have lost their jobs or are struggling without health benefits. Bottcher believes this will give residents peace of mind that if they get sick they’ll get the health care they deserve without going bankrupt…

CUT 9 (09)  “to internists”

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A Denham Springs gas station owner is under arrest for allegedly selling a dangerous synthetic drug at the store, which caused two high school students to overdose. 36-year-old Essam Farhat faces 228 counts of possession with intent to distribute. Denham Springs Police Det. Glenn Lemoine says undercovers went in and bought the drug then later executed a search warrant:

cut 10 (08)  “in the wall”

Lemoine says the drug is an illegal liquid synthetic cannabinoid known as “Juicy” and it’s ingested through a vaporizer. He says the students, who had to be hospitalized following the overdoses at Denham Springs High School, told detectives that they had purchased the drug at that Farhat’s gas station…:

Cut 11 (10) “30-40 bucks a bottle”

Farhat posted $85,000 bond. Lemoine says ATC suspended all alcohol and tobacco licenses at the business pending the outcome of a revocation hearing. He says while the students recovered, the chemicals in synthetic marijuana can be dangerously toxic…:

cut 12 (10) “and die”

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Not everyone in Louisiana has Powerball fever despite a record 1.5 billion dollar jackpot. There are some people who are not interested in forking over the two dollars buy a ticket. We spoke to some of them. One woman says it’s just not worth the potential risk…

cut 13 (07)  “I’m into”

Some people say they aren’t interested in buying a ticket because the odds are so low. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are less than 1 in 292 million. A man told us he won’t buy a ticket because lots of winners lose control of their money…

cut 14 (05)  “flat broke”