A study out of LSU Health Shreveport finds more radiation is being overused in elderly women with breast cancer. Emelie Gunn has more on the discovery…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Commissioner of administration Jay Dardenne says to avoid deep budget cuts to government services, the state will need to raise revenue. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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LSU researchers are studying body shapes to try to get a better idea of what types of clothing sizes would best fit individual consumers, especially those losing weight. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study out of LSU Health Shreveport finds radiation is being over used to treat elderly woman with breast cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Quyen (Quinn) Chu says woman 70 and older with stage 1 breast cancer shouldn’t be treated with radiation and should talk with doctors about taking another treatment route…

cut 4  (09)  “you need”

 Chu says their research shows that 2/3 of women in this category are still receiving radiation. He says radiation treatment can cause many different complications in patients.

Cut 5  (11)  “the heart”

 Chu hopes that by releasing this study, more doctors will start following what the guidelines call for. He says the reason radiation is still being used is likely because doctors are set in their ways of treating patients.

Cut 6 (11)  “come back” 

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says new revenues, possibly from an additional one-cent increase to the state sales tax, are needed to stave off big cuts to public colleges and health care services. Dardenne says they are being honest with the public when they say, just cutting the budget will not solve this fiscal year’s 750-million dollar shortfall

CUT 7 (11)  “raise some revenue”

Dardenne says they are proposing to use some one-time money, rainy day funds and there are some proposed budget cuts to help with the budget crisis for this fiscal year. But he says additional revenue is also needed to avoid big cuts…

Cut 8  (12)  “that money”

Governor John Bel Edwards will call a three-week long special session later this month and at that time, he’ll ask lawmakers to raise taxes. It’s unclear if the republican-controlled legislature is willing to go along with the governor’s revenue raising plans. Dardenne says they’ve been communicating with G-O-P legislators

Cut 9 (08)  “from happening”

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The Attorney General’s Office has announced six more arrests of people involved in the Lafayette D.A. bribery scandal.  A-G Jeff Landry says the corrupt practices that were being dismissed in this office were ignored by the previous Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell. He says it’s disturbing that action wasn’t taken earlier.

Cut 10 (10) “our act”

Landry says it’s a collaborative effort to clean up corruption in the state in working with the federal authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has already sentenced and convicted 5 others in connection with this case. He says the six people arrested here are some of the ones that have been prosecuted in the federal investigation and are now facing a variety of charges from the state.

cut 11 (08) “public bribery”

 Landry says none of those arrested are currently working in the D.A.’s office. He says the Attorney General’s Office is tired of public corruption.

cut 12 (07) “this state”

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LSU researchers are studying body shapes to try to get a better idea of what types of clothing sizes would best fit individual consumers, especially those losing weight. Casey Stannard, an assistant professor at LSU Ag’s Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising, says there are a lot of misconceptions in the industry about the human form in general…:

Cut 13 (10)  “design better”

They are looking for men and women who are losing weight to participate in this study and receive a 3D body scan with each 10 pounds of loss. Stannard says the hope is use this information to move towards a system where a consumer could get a body scan, and then purchase clothing based on the results…:

Cut 14 (08) “fit them”

Stannard says they are using body scanning technology to learn about ways better-fitting clothing could be developed. She says right now a lot of companies work off of an hour glass, ideal shape — and so few people in the population actually have that shape…:

Cut 15  (06) “win-win for everyone”

A report from the state inspector general and legislative auditor finds former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David LaCerte mismanaged his department. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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In a bit of a strange twist, Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to attend a Republican legislative retreat today in Lafayette. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A report from the state inspector general and legislative auditor finds former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David LaCerte mismanaged his department. LaCerte resigned unexpectedly in October during the investigation by Inspector General Stephen Street and Legislative Auditor Darryl Purpera. Street says they found improprieties at several Veterans homes across the state…

CUT 3 (12)  “from a patient”

The report also claims LaCerte used over $27,000 in federal funds, earmarked for a veterans cemetery, to purchase an SUV for department use. Purpera says LaCerte paid $44,000 to some law school classmates for professional services without  documentation of what they did…

CUT 4 (07)  “of public funds”

LaCerte’s attorney says these allegations are false and part of a character assassination. Street counters by saying current Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland and former interim Secretary Thomas Enright concur with the findings of this investigation…

CUT 5 (07)  “for itself, there”

The audit also found problems with hiring practices, and reporting of potential crimes under the previous administration.  Lacerte’s attorney, Jarrett Ambeau, says this is nothing more than a political attack by Purpera and Street because his client was pushing an agenda in favor of veterans:

CUT 6 (08) “for doing so”

Investigators say LaCerte’s military service record doesn’t match claims in his department biography. Ambeau says it’s easy to find facts that prove his client was not misrepresenting his service…:

CUT 7 (09) “is inaccurate”

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In a bit of a strange twist, Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to attend a Republican legislative retreat today in Lafayette. GOP lawmakers are gathering to discuss plans to deal with the state’s budget crisis. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross finds this very interesting, but not surprising…

CUT 8 (06) “the help is”

He feels Republicans will be very wary of Edwards’ proposals to deal with the budget deficit, particularly those involving raising taxes. Cross says, since the state legislature is Republican-controlled, the governor has no choice but to seek support from GOP members…

CUT 9 (07)  “very clearly”

He says some of the revenue committees are heavily stacked with Republican lawmakers, which will make Governor Edwards’ job much harder getting the legislation he wants passed. Cross says we’ll have to wait and see if Republicans are willing to work with the governor…

cut 10 (07)  “come out”

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A woman who was rescued by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies, after police say she jumped off the Huey P Long Bridge over the Mississippi River, is undergoing psychiatric care today. Colonel John Fortunato says they got a 911 call around 1pm Sunday from someone saying they’d seen a female park and abandon her car on the bridge…:

Cut 11 (04) “Mississippi River”

Fortunato says the deputies who responded, Jordan Burst and David Lowe, found the woman stuck headfirst into a hole in a support beam. He says Burst climbed over the railing to comfort the woman, while Lowe retrieved a toe strap from his unit…:

cut 12 (10) “within the hole”

Fortunato says the woman sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. He says this was an extremely heroic effort on the parts of Deputies Burst and Lowe…:

cut 13 (05)  “over the water”

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The US Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to close the remaining open bays of the Bonnet Carre Spillway today. The spillway was opened earlier this month to divert rising Mississippi River floodwaters from New Orleans. Spokesman Ricky Boyett says about 30 bays remained opened this morning…

cut 14 (07)  “flood event”

The Bonnet Carre has been operational for 22 days during this flood event. Boyette says the Corps began opening bays on January 10…

cut 15 (07)  “our peak”

Boyette says about 290 of the 350 bays of the Bonnet Carre were opened at the height of the operation. This is the 11th time the spillway has been in operation since its completion in 1931. Boyette says when they built the Bonnet Carre, they built it right…

cut 16 (10)  “original needles”

The deadline to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is rapidly approaching. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Split playoffs that separate public and private schools are coming to the LHSAA in the sports of basketball, baseball and softball. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The deadline to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is this Sunday. Healthcare-dot-gov CEO Kevin Counihan says over 200,000 Louisianians have already signed up for coverage through the federal insurance marketplace. He says it’s easy to sign up and you only need four pieces of information to get started…

CUT 3 (11)  “financial help”

He says there is still plenty of time to get coverage before Sunday night’s midnight deadline, but encourages people to not wait until the last minute. Counihan says financial assistance through healthcare-dot-gov can really help in making insurance more affordable…

CUT 4 (07)  “financial assistance”

He says 62-percent of Louisiana residents are able to find plans for $75 or less with financial assistance. Counihan says the penalty for choosing not to have health insurance has gone up this year…

CUT 5 (07)  “household income”

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The Mardi Gras parade season has arrived and law enforcement is putting more officers on the roads. It’s part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over Campaign, which will last through Fat Tuesday. Executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lt. Col John Leblanc, says law enforcement is publicizing this increase in officers in the hopes that it will deter people from drunk driving…

CUT 6 (10) “impaired driving”

Mardi Gras celebrations often involve drinking alcohol. Leblanc says because of these celebratory traditions, they want to stress the alternatives to drunk driving…

CUT 7 (08) “enjoy yourself”

Last year, there were were nearly 600 fatal and injury crashes and 10 fatalities during the Mardi Gras holiday, and more than half of the deaths involved alcohol. Leblanc says law enforcement increases its presence on the roads during the times of the year when fatal crashes are most prevalent…

CUT 8 (07) “really needed”

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The LSU board of supervisors is taking steps that would pave the way for a statue of Pete Maravich to be erected on campus. An athletics policy currently blocks a statue of Pistol Pete, because he didn’t graduate. Former star LSU basketball player Collis Temple, who integrated the team, says the legacy of Maravich must be preserved…:

CUT 9 (08)  “cub scouts”

The policy would say instead of a degree, 100 credit hours would be required and Maravich would meet that. Board member and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says it’s terrible that they actually have to debate this issue about the best basketball player ever play at LSU…:

cut 10 (10)  “fix it”

Maravich is still the all-time leading NCAA Division I scorer with 3,667 points scored, an average of 44 points per game. The statue would be placed next to the building named after Maravich, known as the PMAC. Board member Stephen Perry says it’s time to do what should have been done a long time ago…:

Cut 11 (10) “earned this right”

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High school principals have voted for select and non-select playoffs in basketball, baseball and softball, just like what’s already in place for football. The vote occurred on the final day of the LHSAA convention. Many Principal Norman Booker says the split needed to be expanded, because private schools have an advantage in how they can enroll their students

cut 12 (08) “20 years”

The vote was 182-120 for the expanded split. Beekman Charter principal Roy McCoy says nothing good comes out of further dividing the LHSAA…

cut 13 (09)  “skirt the rules”

The split playoffs for basketball, baseball and softball will go into effect for the 2016-17 school year. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says he’s heard from many who are against a further expansion of the split…

cut 14 (09)  “differently”

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

Another candidate has entered the race for US Senate, but this one will run as an Independent. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Skimming devices, which document credit card numbers, keep popping up on gasoline pumps throughout the state. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Researchers from Tulane University have developed a non-addictive pain killer as an alternative to morphine. Emelie Gunn has more on the new drug…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Ex-state legislator and former Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Troy Hebert announces he’s running for the US Senate. Hebert served as A-T-C commissioner for five years, until he resigned at the end of 2015. The former lawmaker from Jeanerette says he’s now ready to serve the state of Louisiana in Washington…

cut 4  (12)  “people are ready”

When Hebert was elected as a state representative in 1995, he was a democrat, but towards the end of his legislative career he was an Independent. Hebert plans to run for Senate as an Independent….

Cut 5  (09)  “politics that we have”

A television station reported earlier this week that Hebert is being investigated by the FBI for allegedly receiving sexual favors from a New Orleans woman who was having trouble with their liquor license. Hebert says those accusations are completely false…

Cut 6 (12)  “U.S. senator” 

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The Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of a single lane closure beginning today on eastbound I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish just before the Mississippi River Bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says construction is necessary to maintain the integrity of our roadway. But he says they tried to schedule the road work during times with the least amount of traffic.

CUT 7 (07)  “at six”

Mallett says the left lane closure begins at the foot of the new bridge. He advises motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid backups on I-10.

Cut 8  (10)  “the bridge”

Mallett says the construction is to patch and pave the road starting at I-10 at LA 1. He says visit 511-LA-dot-org (511la.org) for current traffic updates.

Cut 9 (09)  “alternative route”

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Skimming devices, which document credit card numbers, are continuing to pop up on gasoline pumps throughout the state. Department of Ag & Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says their inspectors recently located three in Ascension Parish and two in Baton Rouge. He says since June 2015, a total of 25 skimming devices have been discovered in 12 Louisiana parishes…:

Cut 10 (04) “numbers”

Strain says that crooks are getting smarter and smarter with the skimming devices to make it easier to access consumer’s personal information…:

cut 11 (07) “to look for them”

Strain says they encourage people to constantly check their bank statements and file a report if they notice anything out of the ordinary. He says if you are using a card at a gas pump, run it as a credit, not a debit…:

cut 12 (10) “you can see them”

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Tulane University and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System researchers say they have created a painkiller that’s just as strong as morphine but non-addictive. Lead Investigator Dr. James Zadina says tests performed on animals lead them to the conclusion that this could be a non-addictive alternative to morphine…

Cut 13 (11)  “liked it”

Zadina says they used compounds from the brain rather than from the opium plant to create the endomorphin drug. He says human clinical trials are set to begin within the next couple of years…

Cut 14 (11) “focus”

Zadina says this drug could help people in pain who lack adequate treatment without the threat of addiction or serious side-effects. He says in recent years, we’ve seen an increase in overdose deaths from opioid uses…

Cut 15  (06) “some extent”

Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Authorities are wondering if the former Monroe TV personality known as “Mr Wonder” is involved in any child sexual abuse cases in California. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office. In their ruling, the Court says what residents voted on in 1997 did not match what was enacted by the state legislature. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this was a very considered opinion by the justices…

CUT 3 (10)  “the right way”

Voters approved the amendment barring convicted felons from seeking office for 15 years after the end of their sentence. However, the ballot version omitted an exemption passed by the legislature for those only sentenced to probation. Meche says this is an example of inexcusable sloppiness in the state legislature…

CUT 4 (06)  “foul up occurred”

He believes lawmakers will likely bring this issue up to voters again, based on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling. Meche says the Court’s message to the state legislature is very clear…

CUT 5 (07)  “the right way”

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Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. The relatively new mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women. Dr. Joseph Bocchini, infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, says the Zika virus could lead to congenital infection in pregnant women…

CUT 6 (08) “and development”

The Zika virus has been associated with babies being born with underdeveloped brains and small skulls in Brazil. Bocchini says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States. There is one confirmed case of the Zika virus in Arkansas, but Bocchini says that should not raise concern…

CUT 7 (08) “is spreading”

Bocchini says it’s recommended that women who are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, avoid travel to the Caribbean and South America where the virus is circulating. Bocchini says there will be a greater threat in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes become more active…

CUT 8 (06) “or summer”

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The alleged child predator who was a popular Monroe television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been looking for. The man identified as Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego for allegedly sexually abusing children during a Louisiana camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says it’s mind blowing the access to kids this man had since 1985 in California…:

CUT 9 (08)  “cub scouts”

Jurman says the suspect also lists on his website that he is a former PTA president at an elementary school, youth soccer and basketball coach, and that he taught Sunday school. Jurman says it’s not uncommon for suspects to contest identity in an extradition hearing, but they have pictures where the two look exactly alike, and Selas also told cops he changed his name and social security number…:

cut 10 (06)  “identity goes”

An identity hearing is scheduled for February 11th, where the man’s attorneys are expected to argue their client is not the person named on the warrant. Jurman says, not only is this a big story in Louisiana, it’s also what a lot of people are talking about in California…:

Cut 11 (08) “off the radar”

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An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War II has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says Michael Decker is a resident at his facility and was so surprised to finally graduate and receive a letterman’s jacket…

cut 12 (10) “as well”

Totorico says Decker thought he was going to a doctor’s appointment and was welcomed a group of people celebrating his accomplishment. He says Decker hasn’t taken his letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him.

cut 13 (09)  “the trace”

Totorico says all the residents at the senior living community knew about the surprise and were so excited for Decker. He says Decker went into a war zone at 17 and missed out on a typical high school experience…

cut 14 (10)  “for him”

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Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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he state health department provides two different scenarios on what could happen if additional revenue is not found to fill the state’s 750-million dollar budget shortfall this year. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Monroe man who shot a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent has been sentenced to life in prison. Emelie Gunn has more on the sentencing…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Republican Retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness officially announces his bid for Louisiana’s soon to be vacant US Senate seat. Maness placed third in 2014′s US Senate primary election behind incumbent Mary Landrieu and eventual winner Bill Cassidy. He says he joined the field to answer a call by the people of the state…

cut 4  (12)  “for us again”

He joins four other Republicans who are seeking Senator David Vitter’s seat. Maness is a 32-year veteran of the Air Force who has never held political office. He says Washington, D.C. will never fix itself from the inside…

Cut 5  (10)  “from the outside”

He says what sets him apart from the other candidates in this race is that he is a military veteran and not a career politician. Maness says, in order to make true change in Washington, we’ve got to to alter the status quo and elect people who haven’t been part of the system…

Cut 6 (11)  “Mike Lee did” 

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The department of health and hospitals lays out two different scenarios on what would happen if its forced to take a 131-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Undersecretary Jeff Reynolds says under the first option, they would reduce spending by 119-million dollars to hospitals that are operated by both the state and a private company

CUT 7 (11)  “of the state”

Reynolds says under the second scenario they would eliminate funding for certain Medicaid programs, like hospice, long-term personal care and services that help those with developmental disabilities

Cut 8  (08)  “aging population”

Reynolds says these options are worst-case scenarios and the hope is that they will not be implemented, but they’ll have to wait and see what happens in next month’s special session…

Cut 9 (08)  “without a deficit”

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A Monroe man has been sentenced to life in prison after shooting a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. 29-year-old Luke Jarrod Hust was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder. LDWF Spokesperson Adam Einck says last May Hust shot Sgt. Scott Bullitt during a basic vehicle stop after suspecting drugs or alcohol…

Cut 10 (10) “that night” 

Einck says Hust has been a lifelong criminal and he doesn’t need to be on the streets. He says they’re very happy that the judge and the prosecutors were able to get Hust locked up for the maximum time possible.

cut 11 (08) innocent people”

Sgt. Bullitt hasn’t returned to duty and is still rehabbing. Ouachita Parish District Attorney Jerry Jones says Hust showed no remorse…

cut 12 (11) “wheelchair”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s taking over the appeal of a ruling that blocked Louisiana’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. The case is left over from the Jindal administration. Landry says the cancellation of Medicaid contracts for Planned Parenthood was put in place by DHH because of the appalling acts in which the organization was involved…:

Cut 13 (09)  “going to”

Planned Parenthood denies accusations put forth in videos by an anti-abortion group that show its system leaders illegally selling fetal tissue. A federal judge ordered Louisiana to continue funding the health services Planned Parenthood provides. Landry says the issue before the court now is whether or not DHH is allowed to cancel a contract…:

Cut 14 (10) “these types of contracts”

Landry says, as AG, he has the Constitutional authority to defend all legal issues in state government. He says it’s in the best interest of taxpayers to protect the integrity of our Medicaid program by pursuing this appeal…:

Cut 15  (08) “that we took”

40% of households in Louisiana are considered in poverty and can’t afford day-to-needs according to a new report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he understands an increase to the state’s sales tax is not popular, but feels it is needed to avoid major cuts to state government. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has tapped former state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham to direct Louisiana’s state parks and historic sites. Barham will officially start his new job Monday. Barham says, despite the current budget crisis, taking care of state parks is very important as over a million and a half people visited them in 2015…

CUT 3 (06)  “we’re excited”

Louisiana’s 23 state parks and 19 historic sites have seen tremendous budget cuts in recent years. Lt. Governor Nungesser says funding for state parks has been reduced by 50-percent in the past seven years. Barham says this makes his new job challenging, but he’ll work to maximize the funding he gets…

CUT 4 (10)  “we have”

State parks are facing issues like layoffs, pool closures, and deferred maintenance, while some historic sites are closed with no plans to reopen. Barham says there are some great people already in the state park system who are determined to make it great…

CUT 5 (10)  “it to be”

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40% of households in Louisiana are considered in poverty and struggle to afford day-to-day needs, according to a new report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways. President and CEO Sarah Berthelot says these more than 695,000 homes in the state are nicknamed ALICE. She says 19% of Louisiana families live in poverty, according to the US level…:

CUT 6 (10) “basic cost of living”

ALICE refers to a group of families and individuals who work low-paying jobs and have little or no savings. Berthelot says ALICE families play a critical role in keeping Louisiana’s economic engine running, but they aren’t always sure that they can put food on their own tables. She says the scale of the struggle is alarming…:

CUT 7 (10) “potential crisis”

To download the report that provides parish-by-parish and town-level data, go to www.launitedway.org. Berthelot says basic needs are considered housing, child care, food, transportation, medical care and taxes. She says they hope the study can serve as a vital tool…:

CUT 8 (10) “legislative session”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he understands an increase to the state’s sales tax is not popular, but feels it is needed to avoid major cuts to state government. Edwards says with a $750 million budget shortfall for this fiscal year and $1.9 billion next fiscal year, they have very few options to stabilize the budget…

CUT 9 (12)  “going forward”

He says a special legislative session will begin February 14th to deal with the budget crisis. Edwards says there are immediate and acute funding shortfalls that the proposed one cent increase to the state’s sales tax would address…

cut 10 (08)  “shared prosperity”

The Governor describes the tax increase as a bridge to get the state to a new, more stable tax structure. He says voters will have an opportunity in the future to repeal the tax hike in favor of a new income tax structure. Edwards believes the budget crisis is so bad that new revenue is necessary to fix it…

Cut 11 (10) “Louisianians first”

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

The contained burn chamber that will be used to dispose of 16 million pounds of M6 propellant at Camp Minden is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Natchitoches on February 6^th. Col. Pete Schneider with the Louisiana National Guard says once the burn chamber begins its four day journey from the port, it will arrive at Camp Minden on February 12th^th…

cut 12 (10) “receiving it”

The burn chamber was constructed in Oklahoma and the only other chamber like it is in Denmark. Schneider says the chamber is currently traveling on the Mississippi River and will make its way to Camp Minden beginning February 8^th.

cut 13 (07)  “Camp Minden”

Schneider says the chamber is about 180 feet long by 27.5 feet wide and weighs more than 400-thousand pounds. He says it will be loaded onto a vehicle to be transported….

cut 14 (10)  “Camp Minden”

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The LHSAA convention gets underway today and the big topic is what to do with the high school football playoffs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The deadline to register to vote in Louisiana’s upcoming presidential preference primary is one week from today. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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State labor officials say Louisiana’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.2 percent in December 2014 to 6.1 percent last December. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A format for the prep football playoffs will be voted on at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association convention, which kicks off in Baton Rouge today. LHSAA president Vic Bonnaffee of Central Catholic says there’s great uncertainty, after it was determined the association didn’t follow the correct procedures to split the playoffs between public and private schools in 2013

cut 4  (09)  “major issues”

The LHSAA is also dealing with pay issues for officials and attendance boundaries to determine eligibility. But how the football playoffs will be structured is the big issue. Bonnaffee says discussion ramps up today as principals and coaches try to reach a consensus before a vote on Friday

Cut 5  (04)  “go on”

Bonnaffee doesn’t see the principals agreeing to go back to the old format, where there were five championships. He says most schools like the split playoffs, but whether it will be public-private split or a proposal to separate  rural and metro schools will be determined over the next three days….

Cut 6 (09)  “have a direction” 

______________________________________

The deadline to register to vote in Louisiana’s upcoming presidential preference primary is one week from today. The primary election is March 5th. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this is Louisiana’s only closed primary…

CUT 7 (10)  “holds true”

In the closed primary, Democratic voters are only allowed to vote for Democratic presdential candidates and Republican voters for Republicans. Schedler says registered independent voters are not allowed to take part in the closed presidential primary…

Cut 8  (07)  “for that purpose”

He says you can register or change your party affiliation at your local registrar of voters office or online at geauxvote-dot-com. Schedler says some portions of the state will have more than the presidential preference primary on their ballot…

Cut 9 (08)  “participate in”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association’s annual meeting begins today at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles. Vice President Gifford Briggs says the market shifted drastically in 2015, and it’s critical industry professionals stay informed. He says they are optimistic the sharp cut in the price of oil will rebound…:

Cut 10 (10) “time will tell” 

Speakers Thursday include Governor John Bel Edwards, State Treasurer John Kennedy and Congressman Charles Boustany. Briggs said they look forward to hearing from Edwards on the proposals issued as ways to plug the state’s $750 million dollar budget hole…:

cut 11 (10) “details from him”

Briggs said presenters will also give the industry perspective on what it will take to keep Louisiana’s oil and gas sector relevant for the future. He says the Edwards Administration’s proposals include raising taxes on oil and gas businesses, which combined with low oil prices makes their industry situation even more dire..:

cut 12 (10) “has to say”

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New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent in December. Executive Director for the Louisiana Workforce Commission Ava Dejoie says despite a decline in oil prices and a loss of jobs in that industry, the state still had an overall positive job growth because of increased employment in education and health services.

Cut 13 (05)  “ending 2015”

Dejoie says they’re working hard to get those who lost their jobs in the oil industry quickly placed into new positions. She anticipates jobs in that sector will start coming back when prices begin to rise.

Cut 14 (11) “that storm”

Dejoie says we only lost 100 jobs in the mining sector, which includes the oil industry in December, but other areas of employment are feeling the impact of low oil prices.

Cut 15  (09) “gas industry”

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A federal judge in Baton Rouge strikes down a Louisiana law that required abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says  US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on this very same case in March

Cut 16  (08)  “out of Texas”

Supporters of this law say it’s intended to protect women’s health, while opponents say it will make it very difficult to get an abortion in Louisiana. Ciolino says the nation’s highest court will likely rule on this matter later this year…

Cut 17 (04) “with the issue”

Ciolino says it’s expected Judge John deGravelles will issue a permanent injunction against Louisiana’s abortion law. He says the state will likely appeal the federal’s court decision, but those appeals won’t go far

Cut 18 (09) “for all”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A north Louisiana 1970s children’s TV personality has been arrested of allegedly having sexual conduct with children. Emelie Gunn has more on “Mr. Wonder.”

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Kennedy says the reason he’s throwing his hat in the ring is because he wants his country back. Kennedy feels the country is straying from the conservative values that were taught to him by his parents…

CUT 3 (10)  “losing those values”

The seat is being vacated by Senator David Vitter at the end of his current term. Kennedy plans to emphasize business and education if elected to the Senate. He feels that today’s children could be the first generation of Americans to be worse off than their parents…

CUT 4 (08)  “United States Senate”

Fellow Republicans, Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, and former Congressman Joseph Cao (gow) have also declared their intent to run. Kennedy feels we’re at risk of losing the American dream and neither Congress nor President Obama have done anything about it…

CUT 5 (08)  “this Congress”

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A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy was shot several times early Tuesday while executing a search warrant and remains in critical, but stable condition. Sheriff Newell Normand identified the deputy as 35-year-old Stephen Arnold, a 12 year JPSO veteran. Normand says Arnold was a task force narcotics agent and encountered the suspect inside the home around 6am.:

CUT 6 (05) “task force”

Police initially raced Arnold to the closest medical facility in Chalmette, but he was later escorted to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Normand says being a task force agent is extremely dangerous work…:

CUT 7 (11) “as possible”

Normand says Arnold is a great cop and the type of employee you wish you had more of them. He says when one of their own is shot, it’s extremely difficult on everyone…:

CUT 8 (09) “family crying”

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Authorities in Avoyelles Parish are investigating a human female fetus found at a sewage piping station. Sheriff Doug Anderson says city workers notified the Moreauville Police after discovering the fetus while working in a sewage pond.

CUT 9 (09)  “ongoing”

Anderson says they’re working to determine who the fetus belonged to. He says the fetus was no older than 20 to 30 weeks into development.

cut 10 (10)  “it’s disturbing”

Anderson says sewage from part of the city goes into this piping station. He says city workers made the grim discovery on Monday afternoon.

Cut 11 (08) “called us”

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A children’s TV personality in north Louisiana known as, “Mr. Wonder” is in custody on allegations of criminal sexual conduct with juveniles. 76-year-old Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego, California and his alleged crimes date back to the 1970s. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says Selas would invite children ages 5 to 11 on weekend camping trips…

cut 12 (11) “a location”

Carnline says Selas traveled to Japan, South and Central America throughout his lifetime and more victims could be out there. He says “Mr. Wonder” could be facing a variety of charges.

cut 13 (09)  “extent goes”

Carnline says some of these victims are now in their late 40s or 50s and some might not want to come forward. But he says they wants to give those who came forward to report the rapes in the 70s the closure they deserve.

cut 14 (11)  “tell someone”

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LSU got first place in a competition to see which college could gather the most recycled trash during a home football game. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The LSU System paints a bleak picture of what will happen if the legislature can’t solve this fiscal year’s 750 million dollar budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A Haughton woman has been arrested for abusing her 72-year-old wheelchair bound mother.  Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU got first place in a competition to see which college could gather the most recycled trash during a home football game in the 2015 season. In the GameDay Recycling challenge, LSU led the nation with 86,400 pounds total recycling. Campus Sustainability manager Sarah Temple says taking part in this challenge builds on the goal of reaching 50% recycling rate a month:

cut 4  (11)  “to recycle”

The competition put 99 colleges against each other with the goal of engaging fans to reduce their game-day waste, while composting and recycling more. Temple says they put out a massive marketing campaign to let people know that they were taking part in the EPA GameDay Challenge, and they wanted LSU to win…:

Cut 5  (10)  “got the signed ball”

Temple says during the competition, schools tracked weights for individual games of their choice. She says they selected last year’s LSU/Arkansas contest…:

Cut 6 (09)  “big popular games” 

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The US Army Corps of Engineers has started closing the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the Mississippi River has crested in New Orleans so the process of closing the bays can begin. He says 10 bays were closed on Monday.

CUT 7 (10)  “fully closed”

Boyett says the Bonnet Carre did its job to divert water from the Mississippi. He says for this 2016 flood, they did not open all of the spillway bays.

Cut 8  (10)  “350″

Boyett says the Bonnet Carre limits the water going into New Orleans by diverting it into Lake Pontchartrain. He says although the water has crested and is falling, we’re still experiencing usually high water.

Cut 9 (11)  “15 feet”

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LSU System President F. King Alexander warns that students at the Baton Rouge campus will see higher student fees and hundreds of faculty members and courses will be eliminated if there is a 65 million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Dr. Alexander is painting a bleak picture for the school…

Cut 10 (10) “for taxes” 

Alexander also says there will be layoffs of facility and staff members at other system campuses, including the LSU Health Science Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport. Erwin says in reality, these cuts are what we’re looking at if cuts to higher education continue, especially over a short time period.

cut 11 (10) “LSU described”

Higher ed leaders were warned last week about potential cuts because of a 750 million dollar budget shortfall. Alexander says student fees could increase by as much as 690 dollars per student if the worst case budget scenario occurs.  Erwin says increasing fees is a recipe that will not work.

Cut 12 (09) “the students”

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A Haughton woman has been arrested for abusing her 72-year-old wheel chair bound mother. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says 43-year-old Belinda Roberts was a caregiver for her mother and abused her in various ways because her mother refused to give Belinda her prescription medicine.

Cut 13 (10)  “outside”

Davis says Roberts stole prescription medication from her mother and also was in possession of other drugs and paraphernalia. He says Roberts also stuck her mother in the back of the head, twisted her nose and poked her in the chest.

Cut 14 (07) “a person”

Davis says Roberts is charged with cruelty to the infirmed, domestic abuse battery with strangulation, aggravated battery, robbery, and possession of drugs.

Cut 15  (10) “or others”

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The LSU men’s basketball team finishes off the month of January with two home games, starting with tonight’s match-up against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers are 5-2 in the SEC, while Georgia is 4-3 and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the Bulldogs feature three guards, who are each averaging over double figures

Cut 16  (14)  “open looks”

Georgia is led by sophomore Vante Maten, who averages 16 points a game. LSU’s top scorer is Ben Simmons, who is averaging 23 points and five assists a contest. Worsham says the key for an LSU victory is junior guard Tim Quarterman, who has been up and down this season

Cut 17 (12) “beat Georgia”

After tonight’s game, LSU will host number one ranked Oklahoma on Saturday in the PMAC. Worsham says with LSU battling to make the NCAA Tournament, they can’t afford to lose to Georgia

Cut 18 (16) “anything else”