The Powerball jackpot is now the biggest in the world at a whopping 1.5 billion dollars. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The ball is rolling towards expanding the number of people who can receive government-funded health insurance.  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Fish farming will now be allowed in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, after new regulations were issued this week by NOAA. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Poweball jackpot has shot up to 1.5 billion dollars, making it the biggest jackpot in the world. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says ticket sales keep going up as the jackpot grows. She says when the sales continue to climb we’re able to transfer more money to the state of Louisiana.

cut 4  (09)  “for us”

Chopin says we’re seeing a lot of first time players because the jackpot is so big now. She advises players to not be quick to throw away their ticket tonight, even if they didn’t win the Powerball jackpot.

Cut 5  (08)  “any prize”

Chopin says the chances of multiple jackpot winners increases when more people are purchasing tickets. She says it’s been reported that in some hot spots, players are having to wait in lines just to buy a Powerball ticket.

Cut 6 (04)  “ticket early” 

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The state’s health department is working to provide government-funded health insurance for 300-thousand poor working individuals now that Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an executive order to expand Medicaid. There are ramp up costs, but Edwards says DHH Secretary Rebekah Gee is working with health care providers, so the state doesn’t have to pay anything this fiscal year

CUT 7 (1o)  “state’s portion”

Former Governor Bobby Jindal refused to expand Medicaid, because he said the state’s match for the expansion would eventually become too costly for taxpayers. But Edwards doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 8  (11)  “any other program”

The goal is to have 300-thousand low-income, working citizens covered by Medicaid by July 1st. The state will have to hire 248 individuals to help with the enrollment process and it will cost 2-point-8 million dollars, but health care providers are expected to pick up that bill.  Edwards says they will follow other states lead for a smooth enrollment sign-up

Cut 9 (08)  “help us”

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Oil prices have hit 30 dollars a barrel, which is the lowest price since December 2003. Eric Smith with the Tulane Energy Institute says we could see the price drop even lower as 2016 goes on. Smith says it will be tough for oil companies to make money with oil trading at that price…

Cut 10 (12) “category” 

Oil prices are down 19-percent for this year and they’ve fallen 72-percent since June 2014, when oil was trading over 100-dollars a barrel. Smith says to stop the crash in oil prices, the supply has to meet a week demand for oil and in the short term the only way to do that is to cut back on production.

cut 11 (07) “some more”

 A glut in supply of oil has led to this huge decline in oil prices. Smith says unfortunately countries in the Middle East are showing no signs of cutting back….

Cut 12 (09) “bumper production”

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Fish farming will now be allowed in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, after new regulations were issued this week by NOAA. This means commercial seafood can now be harvested in enclosures on the seafloor. NOAA’s Deputy Director of Aquaculture, David O’Brien, says they’ve been pushing for this because the U.S. imports about 90% of our seafood…:

Cut 13 (10)  “here in the US”

Critics say farmed fish are bread to be big and could escape enclosures and out compete wild fish for food. There are others who feel this would cause fisherman to lose grounds and possibly be put out of work. But O’Brien says aquaculture can compliment wild fisheries and help support fishing communities…:

Cut 14 (09) “support each other”

O’Brien says these new rules have been in the works for about 10 years, and during that time there have been a series of reviews to help make sure that fish farming will not harm the environment. He says ultimately this is a great thing for the Gulf and for the seafood industry…:

Cut 15  (07) “so to speak”

A Homer man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 68-year-old Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office employee. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The NCAA has announced sanctions against UL-Lafayette as a result of a former assistant football coach violating rules by arranging fraudulent entrance exam scores for five prospects. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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In his inaugural address, Governor John Bel Edwards spoke of raising the minimum wage in Louisiana. Many wonder what kind of affect an increased minimum wage would have on business and workers. LSU Economist Jim Richardson says it really depends on how much minimum wage would be raised…

CUT 3 (06)  “on the workers”

Louisiana’s current minimum wage is the federally mandated wage of $7.25 per hour. Richardson says he’s heard talk of raising the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 to $10.10 per hour. He says a hike in minimum wage could cause businesses to re-think how they do business…

CUT 4 (10)  “people to hire”

Supporters of a higher minimum wage say putting more money in worker’s hands will allow them to spend more and help spur the economy. However, Richardson says this wage hike would not be free money and that money currently belongs to someone…

CUT 5 (10)  “to spend it”

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As the Powerball jackpot is now up to 1.5 billion dollars, many people are teaming up to buy tickets in bulk. Legal analyst Tim Meche says there isn’t anything illegal about pooling money to purchase a bunch of tickets but make sure the person holding the tickets is someone you trust.

CUT 6 (09) “no agreement”

Meche says a verbal agreement is all you should need when buying with a group. He says if you believe there needs to be a written contract, maybe you should rethink the group purchase.

CUT 7 (08) “ticket with”

Meche says always sign the back of your ticket.

CUT 8 (08) “your ticket”

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Louisiana State Police and the Homer Police Department have arrested a Homer man for allegedly murdering a 68-year-old Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office employee. 35-year-old Jermaine Johnson is charged with second degree murder. Webster Parish Sheriff Gary Sexton says the victim’s, Sulyn Prince, daughter called in a welfare concern on Monday when she couldn’t make contact with her mother.

CUT 9 (09)  “something wrong”

Sexton says Homer police called L-S-P after realizing they might need extra assistance. He says Prince’s body was found by K-9’s in a shallow grave in a wooded area behind her home.

cut 10 (09)  “in it”

Sexton says Prince worked for his office for as long as he’s been sheriff and was an experienced employee in the corrections division. He says she was a pleasure to work with and dedicated to her job.

Cut 11 (09) “sheriff’s office”

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UL Lafayette has been placed on two years probation and will lose three scholarships for next season and the following season as a result of a former assistant football coach, who violated NCAA rules by arranging fraudulent entrance exam scores for five prospects. Jay Walker, the voice of the Ragin Cajuns, says the NCAA sanctions could have been worse…

cut 12 (08) “in a bowl”

The NCAA also fined the school $5,000 and imposed recruiting restrictions. The school had already voluntarily vacated all victories from 2011 season because of the violations. Walker says the NCAA has ordered the school to do the same for the 2012-2014 seasons for games the ineligible players participated in…

cut 13 (04)  “of the wins”

He says the identities of the ineligible players have not been made public. Walker says the NCAA investigation found no one at UL-Lafayette, including head coach Mark Hudspeth, had any knowledge of this taking place…

cut 14 (06)  “responsible for it”

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Today, Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order to expand Medicaid in Louisiana. Edwards spoke alongside legislators and community leaders, as well as patients he said would benefit from the federally funded health insurance. He says these are low income adults who were too poor to qualify for subsidized care on the health insurance exchange:

cut 15 (11)  “financial security”

Edwards says by July 1st, they expect more than 300,000 citizens to enroll under the new Medicaid eligibility. Edwards says to qualify, a family or individual must have income at 138% of the federal poverty level. He says this will help keep the working poor from slipping further into poverty..:

cut 16 (12)  “funds”

The US Army Corp. of Engineers has decided not to open the Morganza spillway at this time. Emelie Gunn has more on the rising Mississippi River levels….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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We will get more details today on how Governor John Bel Edwards plans to expand Medicaid. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Republican Billy Nungesser is now the Lt. Governor of Louisiana and has plans to increase tourism revenue. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The US Army Corp. of Engineers has decided not to open the Morganza spillway to divert water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya Basin. Spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the current forecast doesn’t show them meeting the triggers required to open up the Morganza…

cut 4  (07)  “per second”

Boyett says the actual flow that’s in the Mississippi River can be safely passed through the main stem of the river. He says this is good news for the people who live along the Morganza and Atchafalaya River, but they still expect some flooding….

Cut 5  (10)  “be prepared”

Boyett says the Corp. has not opened all the bays in the Bonnet Carre spillway yet. He says 20 were opened on Sunday and 18 on Monday, but they will continue to monitor to see if more need to be opened.

Cut 6 (08)  “to open” 

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It didn’t take long for Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards to have his first political defeat. Conservatives in the House mustered enough votes to elect New Iberia Republican Taylor Barras as the Speaker of the House over Edwards choice of Democrat Walt Leger. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says this could be a bad sign for Edwards

CUT 7 (12)  “governor”

Edwards said he wants to invest more money into education, lower the state’s poverty rate and stabilize the budget. Alford says it remains to be seen if the Republican controlled House will go with Edwards plan or come up with their own

Cut 8  (07)  “his agenda”

Edwards has called a 1:30 press conference this afternoon to discuss his plans to expand Medicaid. Alford says it will take money to do this and Louisiana already has big financial troubles

Cut 9 (09)  “be enough”

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Governor John Bel Edwards’ Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Louisiana has monumental financial problems to overcome, but they plan to lay out options and govern responsibly. He says there will be some tough budget decisions that have to be made, but there are many things on the table…:

Cut 10 (11) “fiscal year” 

Edwards is expected to call a special legislative session in mid-February to address these issues. Dardenne estimates the deficit in this year’s budget, which ends July 30th, is between $700-$750 million dollars. Edwards says he is going to start today accepting federal funding to expand Medicaid in Louisiana. Dardenne says they’ll be working on how to implement this in an efficient way…:

cut 11 (07) “happens right”

Dardenne says the shortfall for next fiscal year, when taking into account falling oil prices, could be close to $2 billion dollars if permanent changes to the budget aren’t made. He says despite the tough task at hand, the new administration remains optimistic…:

Cut 12 (12) “fix those”

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As Louisiana has sworn in a new governor, John Bel Edwards, we also have a new Lt. Governor. Republican Billy Nungesser also has budget issues to face. He says it will take creativity and working with the legislature to change laws to create more money within tourism.

Cut 13 (10)  “welcome centers”

Nungesser says we need to create a plan to put our best foot forward in Louisiana so when people come to visit they see what a great state we really are. He says it’s hard to ask for money for tourism when we’re facing cuts to education and other critical needs are being cut.

Cut 14 (09) “long term fix”

Nungesser says as Lt. Governor, he will promote horse shows and the state’s vast hunting and fishing opportunities. He says focusing on these areas will help smaller towns bring in more tourists.

Cut 15  (07) “in Louisiana”

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When Amite and Bogalusa High School play each other in football this October, their fans will not be allowed to attend. That’s the result of the penalties handed down by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. LHSAA Assistant Director Keith Alexander says the two schools were involved in a bench clearing brawl towards the end of their playoff game last November.

Cut 16  (10)  “the bench”

Alexander says both schools were fined 500-dollars and two-thousand dollars for not reporting the incident to the L-H-S-A-A. He says the 2016 Amite-Bogalusa game will be considered a closed competition.

Cut 17 (09) “they play”

Alexander says both schools will be placed on administrative probation on all sports for the 2016-2017 season. He says they want to send the message that behavior like this will not be tolerated.

Cut 18 (11) “carried out properly”

The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized almost 300 personnel to build protective barriers against approaching flood waters from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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John Bel Edwards was sworn in today as Louisiana’s 56th governor. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (34)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized almost 300 personnel to build protective barriers against approaching flood waters from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Lt. Rebekah Malone says protective levees are being constructed in Krotz Springs in St. Landry Parish and Avoca Island in St. Mary Parish. Malone says 120 guardsmen are in St. Mary to build the levee…

CUT 3 (10)  “that’s approaching”

More than 60 engineers are working to build protective levees in Krotz Springs. Malone says the Guard learned a lot of lessons from the flood of 2011 and are utilizing that knowledge now. She says the protective levee being built on Avoca Island worked very well in the past…

CUT 4 (07)  “backwater flooding”

Guardsmen are also conducting aerial surveys of the area and 24-hour levee patrols to check for leaks or seepage. Malone says guardsmen are working against the clock to ensure these protective levees are built in time…

CUT 5 (10)  “walls installed”

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Louisiana’s new Speaker of the House is Republican New Iberia Representative Taylor Barras (BAR-rah). Barras defeated Governor John Bel Edwards’ candidate New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger in a runoff. Barras was nominated for the post by Lafayette Republican Representative Stuart Bishop…

CUT 6 (07) “of Louisiana”

it’s reported that Barras was not even considered a candidate for the position until a Republican Party gathering Sunday night. Barras has served in the state House since 2008. Bishop says Barras has shown his willingness to work across the aisle in the state House…

CUT 7 (06) “of Louisiana” 

In the initial vote, Barras came in third behind Leger and Republican Cameron Henry of Metairie. Henry removed his name from consideration, paving the way for a Barras victory… (Leger was later elected to serve as Speaker Pro Tem.)

CUT 8 (12) “of Representatives”

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John Bel Edwards was sworn in today as Louisiana’s 56th governor. In his first address, the new Democratic governor said the structural budget deficit needs a major overhaul before any of our other problems can be fixed. He says we must make it possible for all Louisiana citizens to be healthy and prosperous…:

CUT 9 (12)  “to healthcare”

On the issue of poverty, Edwards said on top of many of Louisiana’s workers not getting paid a living wage, it’s unacceptable that we’re the worst state in the nation for pay equity. He addressed the importance of improving Louisiana’s education system…:

cut 10 (13)  “must change”

Edwards says we need a modest, but meaningful increase to the minimum wage. He says a more educated and trained workforce is our greatest long-term economic generator. Edwards says double-digit tuition hikes need to come to an end, and the state should should support higher education institutions..:

Cut 11 (14) “tuition and fees”

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LifeShare Blood Centers is reporting that the blood supply has dropped to critically low levels. Spokesperson Tina Hooper says they unfortunately saw very low blood donor turnout throughout December and into early January. She says, unfortunately, patients use hundreds of units of blood everyday throughout the state…

cut 12 (08) “most blood types”

She says the blood center currently has a supply of less than two days for most blood types. The largest use of donated blood is for cancer patients undergoing treatment, but Hooper says it’s needed for so much more…

cut 13 (09)  “many of those”

The only source of blood for the blood center is donors. Hooper encourages people who are eligible to donate blood to please do so to ensure their supply does not run out…

cut 14 (08)  “try to give”

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Bakeries from throughout the state are getting involved in the boudin king cake craze that originated in Acadiana. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has a full day in store for him as he will become the 56^th governor of Louisiana at noon today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn into office today and Jeff Palermo looks at the obstacles he faces…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway Sunday morning to alleviate the flood threat of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Corps spokesman Ricky Boyett says the spillway is an amazing structure…

cut 4  (09)  “an entire river”

This is the 11th time the spillway has been opened since its completion in 1931. The Bonnet Carre diverts Mississippi River waters to Lake Pontchartrain and into the Gulf to protect New Orleans. Boyett says, if river levels get too high, the Morganza Spillway protects Baton Rouge in much the same way.

Cut 5  (05)  “the Atchafalaya”

The Morganza could be opened as early as Thursday. Boyett says an issue with opening the Morganza is the impact to the Louisiana black bear population living in the floodway. He says, because of this, a slow opening is planned…

Cut 6 (09)  “of harm’s way” 

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What started as a culinary experiment last year has taken on a life of its own as the boudin king cake is quickly becoming one of the most popular pastries to get your hands on during carnival season. Bob Carriker is a UL-Lafayette professor, and he used his food blogging sites, boudinlink.com and kingcaker.com, to introduce his invention to Louisiana. It took off…:

CUT 7 (08)  “it’s incredible”

The boudin king cake uses bread that is savory, stuffed with boudin, topped with Steen’s cane syrup then sprinkled with cracklins. Carriker says people have started calling it the most Cajun food ever…:

Cut 8  (11)  “together”

Carriker says he’s been contacted by bakeries all over the state and the nation asking permission to use the concept and get some tips. He says he originally teamed up with Lafayette’s Twins Burgers and Sweets last year after the idea went viral, and the restaurant says they can’t get them out of the oven fast enough…:

Cut 9 (06)  “online orders”

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Today is inauguration day and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will start out today with his family at St. Joseph’s cathedral in Baton Rouge before the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Richard Carbo, Edwards’ communication director, says the voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, will be the master of ceremonies of the inauguration. ..

Cut 10 (11) “have died” 

Carbo says the swearing in will happen right at noon and then Governor Edwards will make his inauguration address on the steps of the Capitol. He says there is a surprise planned for the new governor.

cut 11 (10) “real treat”

Carbo believes Edwards will be optimistic about the days ahead for Louisiana in his inauguration speech. He says the governor-elect is going to urge both democrats and republicans to be engaged in the process and contribute ideas to help the state.

Cut 12 (10) “be like”

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So what can we expect from Democrat John Bel Edwards once he is sworn in as governor? Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Edwards plans to immediately expand Medicaid and he is going to call a special session to deal with all the fiscal issues in the state.

Cut 13 (09)  “in place”

Dubos says right after the special session ends, Edwards will jump right into a regular session to deal with issues not regarding the budget. He believes the democratic governor will have a fairly easy time with the Senate, but the challenge will be in the House.

Cut 14 (09) “every matter”

Dubos says most people of Louisiana want to see more state funding for higher education, healthcare and highways. But he says that will be hard to do, as the state’s budget is in bad shape…

Cut 15  (10) “tax rates”

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There’s still three and a half weeks left before national signing day and LSU is in position to reel in the number one football recruiting class. The Tigers have 20 verbal commitments and according to 24-7 sports, LSU has the top ranked class. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says LSU has received verbal pledges from some of the top players in the country in recent days

Cut 16  (19)  “suit there”

Dixon says LSU’s highest ranked commitment to this point is Saivion Smith a five-star cornerback from Florida…

Cut 17 (15) “of Houston”

Dixon says there’s still time to add to this star studded class…

Cut 18 (13) “at John Curtis”

Please allow 30 minutes from receipt of this email for links to become active.

Bakeries from throughout the state are getting involved in the boudin king cake craze that originated in Acadiana. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has a full day in store for him as he will become the 56^th governor of Louisiana at noon today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn into office today and Jeff Palermo looks at the obstacles he faces…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway Sunday morning to alleviate the flood threat of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Corps spokesman Ricky Boyett says the spillway is an amazing structure…

cut 4  (09)  “an entire river”

This is the 11th time the spillway has been opened since its completion in 1931. The Bonnet Carre diverts Mississippi River waters to Lake Pontchartrain and into the Gulf to protect New Orleans. Boyett says, if river levels get too high, the Morganza Spillway protects Baton Rouge in much the same way.

Cut 5  (05)  “the Atchafalaya”

The Morganza could be opened as early as Wednesday. Boyett says an issue with opening the Morganza is the impact to the Louisiana black bear population living in the floodway. He says, because of this, a slow opening is planned…

Cut 6 (09)  “of harm’s way” 

______________________________________

What started as a culinary experiment last year has taken on a life of its own as the boudin king cake is quickly becoming one of the most popular pastries to get your hands on during carnival season. Bob Carriker is a UL-Lafayette professor, and he used his food blogging sites, boudinlink.com and kingcaker.com, to introduce his invention to Louisiana. It took off…:

CUT 7 (08)  “it’s incredible”

The boudin king cake uses bread that is savory, stuffed with boudin, topped with Steen’s cane syrup then sprinkled with cracklins. Carriker says people have started calling it the most Cajun food ever…:

Cut 8  (11)  “together”

Carriker says he’s been contacted by bakeries all over the state and the nation asking permission to use the concept and get some tips. He says he originally teamed up with Lafayette’s Twins Burgers and Sweets last year after the idea went viral, and the restaurant says they can’t get them out of the oven fast enough…:

Cut 9 (06)  “online orders”

______________________________________

Today is inauguration day and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will start out today with his family at St. Joseph’s cathedral in Baton Rouge before the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Richard Carbo, Edwards’ communication director, says the voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, will be the master of ceremonies of the inauguration. ..

Cut 10 (11) “have died” 

Carbo says the swearing in will happen right at noon and then Governor Edwards will make his inauguration address on the steps of the Capitol. He says there is a surprise planned for the new governor.

cut 11 (10) “real treat”

Carbo believes Edwards will be optimistic about the days ahead for Louisiana in his inauguration speech. He says the governor-elect is going to urge both democrats and republicans to be engaged in the process and contribute ideas to help the state.

Cut 12 (10) “be like”

______________________________________

So what can we expect from Democrat John Bel Edwards once he is sworn in as governor? Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Edwards plans to immediately expand Medicaid and he is going to call a special session to deal with all the fiscal issues in the state.

Cut 13 (09)  “in place”

Dubos says right after the special session ends, Edwards will jump right into a regular session to deal with issues not regarding the budget. He believes the democratic governor will have a fairly easy time with the Senate, but the challenge will be in the House.

Cut 14 (09) “every matter”

Dubos says most people of Louisiana want to see more state funding for higher education, healthcare and highways. But he says that will be hard to do, as the state’s budget is in bad shape…

Cut 15  (10) “tax rates”

_________________________________________________

There’s still three and a half weeks left before national signing day and LSU is in position to reel in the number one football recruiting class. The Tigers have 20 verbal commitments and according to 24-7 sports, LSU has the top ranked class. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says LSU has received verbal pledges from some of the top players in the country in recent days

Cut 16  (19)  “suit there”

Dixon says LSU’s highest ranked commitment to this point is Saivion Smith a five-star cornerback from Florida…

Cut 17 (15) “of Houston”

Dixon says there’s still time to add to this star studded class…

Cut 18 (13) “at John Curtis”

______________________________________

The US Army Corps of Engineers announces plans to begin diverting river water from the Mississippi into Lake Pontchartrain. Jeff Palermo has the details…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The White House announces that President Barack Obama will make his first trip to Baton Rouge as president on Thursday, January 14th. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Due of recent changes in river forecasts, the US Army Corps of Engineers has announced the timeline for opening the Bonnet Carre and Morganza Spillways has changed. The opening of the Bonnet Carre will now begin at 10AM Sunday. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the Bonnet Carre allows them to control the Mississippi River coming into New Orleans…

CUT 3 (10)  “in New Orleans”

Opening the spillways will alleviate flood threats due to rising water levels on the Mississippi River. As far as the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish, Boyett says they are closely monitoring river levels to see if they reach the level required to open the flood gates…

CUT 4 (07)  “12th of January”

He says no decision has been made at this time but there’s is a strong possibility of opening the Morganza on January 12th. Boyette says there is one driving force behind their decisions to open the spillways…

CUT 5 (07)  “in this area”

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The White House announces that President Barack Obama will make his first trip to Baton Rouge as president next week. The president will visit the Capital City Thursday, January 14th, two days after his State of the Union address. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s not uncommon for the president to hit the road after the State of the Union…

CUT 6 (08) “president’s policies”

He says a visit to Louisiana is a bit of a surprise since the state has not always been supportive of President Obama’s policies. Hogan says the recent election of Democratic John Bel Edwards in the governor’s race could have played a role in the president scheduling a visit to Baton Rouge…

CUT 7 (09) “in the state” 

President Obama is expected focus on state gains in the past seven years, including a drop in the unemployment rate and new aid for Louisiana’s early childhood education programs. Governor-elect Edwards has stated that Medicaid expansion is one of the top priorities for his administration. Hogan believes President Obama will use Louisiana as an example to get more states to jump on board…

CUT 8 (09) “of his administration”

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Four Louisiana universities have banned the use of hoverboards on campus due to safety concerns. LSU, U-L Lafayette, Nicholls, and Southeastern have all decided these devices are a hazard because they have been found to burst into flames while charging and cause injuries to riders. Southeastern Louisiana University spokesperson Rene Abadie…

CUT 9 (10)  “the campus”

Abadie says hoverboard batteries have been known to combust and start fires while charging, so they don’t want them in S-L-U housing units because of the fire hazard.

cut 10 (10)  “the rider”

Abadie says riders have also been known to fall off hoverboards and break bones or get concussions, which is an additional safety concern. He says these policies are put in place with the general interest of the safety of their students.

Cut 11 (05) “certainly”

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The Powerball jackpot is now the largest in US history estimating at a whopping 800 million dollars. UNO Mathematics chair, Dr. Tumulesh (Too-muh-lesh) Solanky (soe-LAWN-key), says the odds of one person winning the jackpot is about one in 292-million. He says the more tickets you buy, the better your chances are.

cut 12 (08) “292 million”

The cash value of the jackpot is 496 million dollars. Dr. Solanky says when people pool their money to buy a lot of tickets, the odds of winning keep getting better. He says the jackpot numbers are completely random, so certain numbers aren’t luckier than others.

cut 13 (07)  “the best”

Jennifer Bordes, a CPA in Metairie, advises if you win the 800 million dollar Powerball jackpot, there is no financial incentive if you take the lump sum or the annuity.

cut 14 (08)  “an attorney”

Bordes says if you go in as a group to purchase a bunch of tickets, have an agreement in writing to ensure everyone knows their role and how much was contributed. She reminds the winner that they’ll be hit with huge new taxes.

cut 15 (10)  “estate tax”

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Bobby Jindal will end his two terms as governor when John Bel Edwards is sworn into office on Monday. Jeff Palermo has more on Jindal’s eight years in office…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The red snapper season begins today and there are new regulations that are sure to make anglers happy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Powerball jackpot reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new law is in effect in Louisiana that cracks down on marriage fraud, especially in cases where illegal immigrants attempt to fraudulently gain US citizenship. Denham Springs State Representative Valarie Hodges, who sponsored the measure, says state marriage licenses haven’t been updated for about 40 years. She says these changes protect the institution of marriage…

cut 4  (09)  “to fraud”

The changes will bar anyone from receiving a marriage license without a birth certificate, valid international ID, or passport and require the couple to attest, under oath, that they did not lie on their paperwork. Hodges says these new requirements not only protects the reliability of information, it also tackles a bigger issue…

Cut 5  (08)  “United States”

She says marriage fraud is a common way for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in the United States. Hodges says this legislation really tightens marriage laws in Louisiana ensuring immigrants are here legally before getting married…

Cut 6 (06)  “agree with me” 

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The red snapper fishing season opens today and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has extended the limit from three to nine miles offshore for recreational fishing. Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina says Texas and Florida have always had nine nautical miles and they worked hard to get the same boundary here…

CUT 7 (10)  “a start”

Pausina says it’s also unique to open the season in January as they’ve been able to prove that a longer season will not hurt the population….

Cut 8  (08)  “anglers”

Pausina says for years the red snapper season didn’t begin until June 1^st because of federal regulations. But he says the department worked hard to change those rules with the help of anglers who recorded how much red snapper they caught…

Cut 9 (11)  “do that”

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Bobby Jindal’s two terms as governor ends on Monday as Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn in. U-L-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal came into office as a bright young man with the promise of making Louisiana a better state. He says the soon to be ex-governor had early success in ethics and education.

Cut 10 (10) “are evaluated” 

Cross says Jindal is leaving on somewhat bad terms because the people of Louisiana got sick of his absence during the end of his eight years in office.

cut 11 (06) “president”

Cross says budget problems led to deep cuts to higher education during his two terms, which is how many will remember him. He says the governor also tried to put Louisiana government on smaller footing.

Cut 12 (08) “to Louisiana”

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It’s clear that more people than ever are playing the Powerball as it reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. The cash value is $428.4 million and Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the prize could go even higher before Saturday’s drawing. She says this has shattered all records…:

Cut 13 (09)  “in US history”

In Wednesday’s drawing, a ticket at a New Roads gas station matched 5 for $1 million dollars and so did a ticket sold in New Iberia.  Chopin says when they have a huge playership and coverage of the numbers at this level, more than likely when the jackpot does get hit there will be multiple winners…:

Cut 14 (07) “something to behold”

Chopin says when the jackpot gets this big, more people play, which causes the prize to get larger and larger. She says it’s happening at historic levels and sales are ridiculous…:

Cut 15  (09) “$4.2 million dollars”

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The LSU Tigers look to keep their good play going on Saturday when they visit Florida in SEC hoops action. The Tigers are 2-0 in the SEC and they’ve won five of their last six. It was six games ago, when sophomore Craig Victor became eligible to play after transferring in from Arizona State. Coach Johnny Jones says Victor has provided a boost

Cut 16  (10)  “lot of areas”

LSU beat Florida twice last year, including an 18 point victory in Gainesville. Jones says it’s not easy to win on the Gators home court

Cut 17 (20) “extremely talented”

Florida is 9-5, 1-1 in SEC play under first-year head coach Mike White, who is the former head coach at Louisiana Tech. White took over for the highly successful Billy Donovan and Jones says Florida’s style of play hasn’t changed drastically…

Cut 18 (17) “of the floor”

The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana ranks 49th in the country for academic achievement in a report conducted by Education Week Magazine. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Col. Pete Schneider says they’re bringing on extra soldiers and airmen to aid efforts…

CUT 3 (08)  “for the flooding”

He says on Friday guardsmen will begin 24-hour levee inspections in Concordia, East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas Parishes to look for seepage. Schneider says The Guard will perform a variety of operations…

CUT 4 (09)  “the spillways”

The guard has issued 13,000 sand bags to West Feliciana Parish and an additional 13,000 are being sent to Avoyelles Parish for the anticipated opening of the Morganza Spillway. More guardsmen are expected to be brought on in the coming days. Schneider says The Guard stands ready to help the people of the Louisiana…

CUT 5 (10)  “of the state”

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In an effort to contend with the rising waters of the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers announces that the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish will be opened on Monday. The spillway is expected to be fully operational on January 13. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says opening the Morganza diverts water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 6 (08) “down the river”

Graves was the head of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority when the Morganza was last opened in 2011. He says that while opening the spillway will protect Baton Rouge and New Orleans from massive flooding, it could cause flooding in the lower Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 7 (08) “from flooding” 

With the opening of the spillway, there is the potential risk of flood from Butte La Rose down to Morgan City. Graves says how long the Morganza will remain open depends on how the Mississippi flows in the next week or two…

CUT 8 (09) “ramping down”

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The man accused of stabbing LSU Football tight end Dillon Gordon at Reggie’s Bar in Tigerland early Tuesday morning has been arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 20-year-old Jamal Joseph Vaughn was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison this morning and charged with aggravated 2^nd Degree Battery.

CUT 9 (08)  “interview him”

McKneely says there was an argument between Gordon and Vaughn, which led to a fist fight at the bar. He says Gordon was stabbed multiple times during the fight.

cut 10 (07)  “the scene”

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The new mayor of Springfield has reinstated former Police Chief Jimmy Jones after he pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief last year for trashing a woman’s DUI citation as a favor to the previous mayor. The town’s attorney Brian Abels says Springfield needed a police chief and the people of the town wanted him back in the position.

Cut 11 (10) “law enforcement”

Prosecutor with the State Attorney General’s Office, David Caldwell, says this isn’t a good idea because it could affect the Springfield Police Department with future investigations. But Abels says the town of Springfield believes Jones will do a good job as police chief.

cut 12 (05) “somehow envisioned”

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For a second straight year, Louisiana’s public schools rank 49th in the nation in academic achievement. That’s according to Education Week Magazine, who has unveiled its Quality Counts report. Education Week Research Center director Holly Yetcick (Yet-ick) says Louisiana scored a 69 out of 100 for classroom performance, which is just above a passing grade

cut 13 (02)  “this year”

Yetcick says their report looks at a variety of factors, including how schools are financed and Louisiana saw its score drop in that category

cut 14 (05)  “this year”

Yetcick says they do see areas where Louisiana is making slight gains. She says the biggest improvement was seen with fourth graders and their reading ability

cut 15 (10)  “pretty low”

According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities, out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice for Edwards. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The coach that guided the Saints to their only Super Bowl victory is not ready to leave the Big Easy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (23) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. CardHub determined that the average credit card debt for a Ruston resident is $5,323. They say it would take 173 months for that debt to be paid off, at a cost of $7,138. Dr. Bill McCumber, finance professor at Louisiana Tech, says there are about 24,000 people in Ruston:

cut 4  (10)  “adds up”

Several cities on CardHub’s least sustainable credit card debt list are college towns, like Ruston. McCumber says most students are without jobs and use plastic more to pay for things with the idea they’ll get full time employment once they graduate…:

Cut 5  (09)  “to that income”

CardHub analysts looked at various data to determine the number of months required to pay off the average credit card balances and associated finance costs in 2,547 cities. McCumber believes the CardHub study is skewed, but raising awareness about credit card debt is a worthy cause…:

Cut 6 (10)  “with credit card debt” 

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice. Democrat Kathleen Blanco, who was governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008, says Edwards has a tough road ahead with all of the budget issues and dealing with legislators over the state’s finances is not easy…

CUT 7 (09)  “the boys”

Blanco says every new governor is tested when they first enter office. She says it remains to be seen how the governor handles those pressures with the legislature.

Cut 8  (09)  “unpredictable”

Former Republican governor Mike Foster says he had some rules to live by while in office and advises governor-elect Edwards to tell his staff to forget politics. He says to do what you think is the best for the state of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “do it”

Foster says make those who try to be your enemies your friend. He says that bit of advice is something he found to really work while in office.

Cut 10 (08) “have them” 

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Small businesses in Louisiana aren’t too optimistic about 2016. Dawn Starns, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says owners haven’t changed their negative outlook in quite some time. She says things were more upbeat a couple of years ago, but now businesses have much lower expectations…:

cut 11 (09) “with the economy”

Starns feels many Louisiana businesses are in “wait and see” mode with a brand new administration beginning Monday. She says before owners start to make decisions about whether to expand, build or bring on new staff, they’ll be waiting to see how Governor-elect John Bel Edwards plans to fix the state’s fiscal mess…:

Cut 12 (11) “of optimism”

Starns says the sluggish oil and gas industry seems to be making consumers and potential business owners nervous and uncertain about the future of Louisiana’s economy…:

Cut 13 (11)  “on Louisiana”

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Sean Payton remains the head coach of the Saints, despite weeks of speculation that he may want to coach for another NFL team. Payton spoke with reporters for about an hour talking about his love for the fans, the franchise and the city, despite all of its faults

Cut 14 (12) “it is home”

In the last several weeks, there’s been reports about team wanting to speak with Payton, who is under contract with the Saints for the next two seasons. But Payton says he can’t envision coaching for another club

Cut 15  (13) “do here”

Payton has brought the Saints to the playoffs five times since his first season in New Orleans in 2006. His postseason record is 6-4, but during his tenure, the Saints defense is often ranked as one of the worst  in the NFL. The head coach knows that has to change

Cut 16  (11)  “focus on”