A torrential downpour is flooding northern Louisiana as the storm has already dumped half a foot of water, and officials say it isn’t over yet.  Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The governor has signed into law a bill to increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 86-cents to $1.08. But not everyone thinks this is enough. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Numerous homes in north Louisiana are under water as the result of a colossal storm that has dumped over a half a foot of rain. Bill Davis, with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, says as flood waters rose during the night, they began evacuating people….

CUT 3 (07)  “the waters”

Davis says schools and government offices are closed today. He says the sheriff’s office has teamed up with the Wildlife and Fisheries office to use their boats for rescues.

CUT 4 (08)  “as well”

Ouachita parish is also getting hit hard by the storm. Glenn Springfield with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says evacuations are underway throughout the parish.

CUT 5 (07)  “rising water”

Springfield says people should avoid driving today if possible. Many roads have been closed because of high waters. He says the storm isn’t showing signs of letting up anytime soon.

CUT 6 (10) “get worse”

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There is only a few hours left in the special session called to address the state’s massive budget deficit.  Speaker of the House Taylor Barras urged House members to come together on a deal to prevent big cuts to higher education and healthcare.

CUT 7 (10) “leave here”

Barras says there are three bills that need to pass today, one dealing with budget cuts, another that would increase the state’s sales tax, and the other would alter tax exemptions. He says this will not be easy but they must take action.

CUT 8 (10) “next year”

Barras urges his fellow House members to come together so they can explain to the people of Louisiana that they’ve accomplished what they were asked to do.

CUT 9 (10) “direction” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law the bill that increases the cigarette tax. Beginning April 1^st the tax on a pack of cigarettes will be $1.08 rather than 86-cents, which will generate 11-million dollars in revenue for the state this fiscal year. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana Campaign Randy Hayden says he was disappointed that the tax wasn’t increased more…

cut 10 (10)  “health outcomes”

Hayden says the legislature should’ve increased the tax on all tobacco products not just cigarettes. He says millions of dollars have been left on the table.

Cut 11 (10) “opportunity”

Hayden says there was no possibility that the legislature could over tax cigarettes during this session to where it could hurt revenue. He says when states increase the cigarette tax they are increasing revenue, while decreasing health care costs in the future.

cut 12 (10) “wayside”

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Cleco has asked state regulators for another hearing on the utility company’s proposed sale to a foreign investment group for almost $5 billion. Public Service Commission chairman Clyde Holloway says he is not in favor of another hearing.

Cut 13 (04)  “the rehearing”

Cleco’s attorney says the commission’s vote was flawed because it wrongly decided on the merits of the transaction. Holloway says the commission and an administrative law judge has already heard enough testimony from the company.

cut 14 (06)  “my ratepayers”

Holloway says he is concerned about a tax scheme related to the deal that would allow the investors to pocket taxes collected from the monthly rates. He also has suspicions about the future of the company and its customers.

cut 15 (07) “very much” 

Cleco issued a statement saying another hearing would allow them to address incorrect statements made during the previous meeting and explain why the transaction is in the best interest of the public. Holloway says he is does not trust the company’s statements at this point.

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LSU Health Shreveport receives a 1.6 million dollar grant to research the connection between alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Heavy rainfall is likely across Louisiana today. Jeff Palermo has more on what to expect….

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers have just a few hours left to address a massive budget shortfall, as the special legislative session ends tonight at 6pm. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LSU Health Shreveport has received a 1.6 million dollar National Institutes of Health grant to research the connection between light alcohol consumption and ischemic stokes. Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences Dr. Chris Kevil says drinking one to three alcoholic beverages a week has been found to increase protection to an ischemic stroke.

cut 4  (08)  “in tissues”

Kevil says when an individual has an ischemic stroke these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses are already revved up and can protect from a subsequent stroke. He says the professor awarded the grant, Dr. Hong Sun, is attempting to define how light alcohol consumption actually protects from ischemic stroke.

Cut 5  (11)  “molecules”

 Kevil says a study a few years ago, called the French Paradox, found similar results.

Cut 6 (10)  “as well” 

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The Storm Prediction Center says much of Louisiana is under the threat for severe weather today. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service says the threat for severe weather includes rounds of heavy rainfall…

CUT 7 (09)  “of rain”

Jones says there is an area of low pressure stuck over eastern Texas that is causing the severe weather and heavy rain. He says it’s pumping Gulf moisture into Louisiana.

Cut 8  (09)  “several days”

Jones says the big flood threats begin today and carry into Thursday. He says we can handle a few inches of rain because we’ve been so dry the last couple of weeks…

Cut 9 (09)  “as well”

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Small business optimism has fallen to a 2-year low, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. State Director of the NFIB, Dawn Starns, says state specific data is not available, but Louisiana small businesses also lack optimism, especially with all of the money problems the state is facing…

Cut 10 (06) “the economy”

According to the report, spending and hiring plans and earning trends all weakened, and more firms reduced prices than raised them, indicating that small business are absorbing higher costs without affecting customers. Starns says proposed tax increases in Louisiana are affecting businesses….

cut 11 (08) “that is”

The report also shows that sales trends have declined and small business owners do not plan to increase hiring or spending as expectations for future business conditions remained negative. Starns says instead of increasing taxes on businesses and consumers, they would like to see state government cut back on spending.

cut 12 (07) “like this”

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The special legislative session ends tonight at 6pm, and lawmakers are still trying to address the state’s huge fiscal deficit through a combination of budget cuts and tax increases. We’re waiting to see what legislation will come out of the special session. Jeremy Alford with la-politics-dot-com says the certainties in this session include taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and car rentals, but he says more bills still have to be approved.

Cut 13 (06)  “sales tax”

Alford says the current state sales tax is 4-cents, but Governor John Bel Edwards is pushing for an additional clean penny. He says some legislators are pushing for even more, and there’s a proposal to remove several exemptions from the existing four-cent tax.

Cut 14 (07)  “those pennies” 

Alford says the current deficit for this fiscal year is $954 million. He says legislators are closing in on this year’s budget gap

Cut 15 (11) “budget shortfall” 

Alford says the budget hole for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, is about $2 billion.

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A new NFL league year begins today, which means the start of the free agency period. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says with the increase in the salary cap, the Saints will have enough to bolster their roster and add veteran players at key spots…

Cut 16  (12)  “veteran tight end“

Detillier says the Saints will look to the draft to fix most of their problems on defense, but they could use a veteran linebacker that’s on the defensive side of the ball that’s been productive in a three-four scheme…

Cut 17 (12)   in this defense”

It appears the Saints have lost tight end Ben Watson to the Baltimore Ravens. Detillier says Watson’s potential replacement could be former Ragin Cajuns standout Ladarius Green…

Cut 18 (10) “for the Saints”

Lawmakers have until 6 pm on Wednesday to figure out how to solve the state’s budget deficit. Emelie Gunn has more on the last days of the special session…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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St. Joseph residents are meeting with state legislators to get cleaner drinking water in Louisiana. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With only two days left in the special session, lawmakers are struggling with how to fix the state’s 950 million dollar budget deficit. There has been talk of increasing the state sales tax by more than a penny to help increase revenue. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says they’re trying to come up with an additional 100 million dollars so there aren’t more cuts to higher education and healthcare.

CUT 3 (11)  “or TOPS”

But Baton Rouge Representative Ted James doesn’t agree that increasing the sales tax even more is a good idea. James says unfortunately there are House members who would rather pass taxes on the consumer and ignore reducing our corporate tax expenditures.

CUT 4 (07)  “the consumer”

James says we don’t seem to want to tax the millionaires just the consumers who want to buy a beer after a long, hard day of work. He says he would like to see lawmakers decrease the inventory tax credit.

CUT 5 (09)  “right thing”

Governor John Bel Edwards has mentioned he wants to see businesses pay more of the share with increased taxes. Henry says with the additional increase to the state’s sales tax, businesses would still pay their fair share.

CUT 6 (09) “and businesses”

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Residents of St. Joseph are petitioning the state government for better water. Garrett Boyte, a resident of St. Joseph, says the water there has been yellow or murky brown for over 10 years. Boyte and others from the town met with Governor John Bel Edwards and state legislators to discuss upping the minimum standards for water in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (12) “secondary standard”

Boyte says manganese has been linked to adverse health effects, especially for infants, and it is found in St. Joseph’s water at alarmingly high amounts. He says the governor is considering proposed legislation to fix Louisiana’s water problems.

CUT 8 (11) “currently do”

Boyte says 400 water systems in the state are facing similar issues.

CUT 9 (08) “high flouride” 

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A state senate committee approves legislation that takes away a significant tax break businesses receive to help pay for utility costs and equipment purchases. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president Stephen Waguespack opposes the idea, but New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says Waguespack helped create the state’s budget problems as a former aide to Governor Bobby Jindal…

cut 10 (10)  “no credibility”

This measure now heads to the Senate floor. Waguespack argues that businesses and taxpayers should share the burden and each take a “middle of the road” hit to help fill the state’s massive budget deficit. He argues that LABI has removed opposition from many measures that make businesses pay more, but New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says they’ve not supported any of those bills either.:

Cut 11 (10) “for him”

The bill still faces stiff opposition in the House. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says LABI needs to start coming to the table with their own ideas..:

cut 12 (10) “we can’t pay anymore”

Waguespack says businesses are already dealing with a horrible economic recession…:

Cut 13 (08)  “across the board”

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Multiple flash flood watches go into effect this afternoon as north and south Louisiana will see some heavy rainfall. CS Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says we’ll see heavy downpours throughout the week.

cut 14 (07)  “12 inches”

Ross says there’s also the chance for severe weather moving into Louisiana from Texas. He says a tornado watch has been posted until 6 o’clock tonight, covering the western parishes of Louisiana.

cut 15 (08) “as well” 

Ross says Louisiana will experience some storms bringing in high winds and the chance of hail, along with tornadoes.

cut 16 (04)  “days”

Flash flood warnings are in effect across much of Louisiana today as a severe weather system moves through the gulf south. Don Molino reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Higher Ed Commissioner Joseph Rallo says budget concerns are leading to lower enrollment at Louisiana colleges next school year. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Army Corps of Engineers is keeping a close eye on the Mississippi River levees south of Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Make sure you have your umbrella handy the rest of the week, as several inches of rain is expected to fall across the Bayou State over the next several days. State climatologist Barry Keim says flash flooding is possible…

cut 4  (09)  “imagine that”

Keim says a cold front is slowly moving over the gulf south and this storm is expected to wreak havoc over the South….

Cut 5  (10)  “and tornadoes”

Keim says the storm will get ramped up tomorrow and into Thursday and advises people to be prepared. He says this storm will hit Louisiana in waves.

Cut 6 (08)  “next day” 

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With only two days left in the special legislative session, Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo is concerned about the possibility of universities cancelling classes and professors receiving furlough notices…

CUT 7 (10)  “to be doing”

The legislature is trying to come up with a funding plan that will prevent significant cuts to higher ed and health care. Rallo says the talk of more budget cuts is already having an impact, as professors are leaving Louisiana universities, and prospective educators are deciding not to come to the state. He says if lawmakers fail to find funds, big cuts are coming…

Cut 8  (09)  “in TOPS”

Rallo says as it stands now TOPS is facing an 80-percent reduction in funding next fiscal year, which means that the number of eligible students in Louisiana would drop from 45-thousand to 9-thousand for the fall semester, and the minimum ACT score required for the scholarship could be raised from a 20 to a 27. He says budget concerns are also affecting enrollment numbers at LSU.

Cut 9 (08)  “out there”

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The Mississippi River is rising in South Louisiana again which will lead to twice a week checks of the levees. Ricky Boyett with the Army Corps of Engineers, says they are preparing for the water to rise even more.

Cut 10 (10) “a week”

Boyett says the heavy rains this week should not affect the water levels too much. He says the elevated waters are not uncommon for this time of year.

cut 11 (07) “high water season”

In January, high water led to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway for about three weeks. Boyett says at this time they don’t anticipate opening the flood control structure for this high water event….

cut 12 (10) “Bonnet Carre”

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Spring football is underway for the LSU Tigers. After finishing the last two seasons ranked out of the top 100 in passing offense, Coach Les Miles says the passing game will be a point of emphasis leading up to the Spring game on April 16th

Cut 13 (15)  “team better”

Miles says it’s also an important time for the defense as that side of the football is learning a new system taught by 1st year defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….

Cut 14 (20)  “opponents formations” 

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LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons says he’s not upset that he will not be eligible for the Wooden AWard, which is considered the top individual award a college basketball player could receive. Simmons reportedly can’t win the award because of academics. The soon to be NBA player says he’s not losing sleep over the situation

Cut 15 (12) “players regardless” 

Simmons is expected to enter the NBA draft once LSU’s season is concluded. The potential number one pick says his focus is on this weekend’s SEC Tournament…

Cut 16  (11)  “the team“

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Lawmakers worked deep into the night on coming together on a plan to prevent big cuts to health care and colleges. The House approved a bill that reduces tax cuts businesses receive for utility costs and their equipment purchases. A three-year sunset was put on Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ legislation…

Cut 17 (10)   on it”

The bill  is expected to generate about 20-million dollars for this year’s budget and 110-million for next year’s.  Republican Metairie lawmaker Cameron Henry told reporters there was no need to pass additional revenue raising measures, which frustrates Democrats, like New Orleans Representative Walt Leger…

Cut 18 (10) “its needed”

At six o’ clock last night, Governor John Bel Edwards sent a “48-hour warning notice” reminding lawmakers of what could happen if the legislature fails to approve other revenue generating bills….

Cut 19 (09) “of government”

Lawmakers have until Wednesday night to close a massive budget shortfall. Jeff Palermo gets an update from the governor….

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement from pro football today. Halen Doughty has local action…..

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A lot of rain will hit Louisiana this week. A flash flood watch has been issued for 23 parishes, mostly on the western side of the state. Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says heavy rain will move in tomorrow afternoon.

CUT 3 (06)  “work week”

Hughes says northwestern Louisiana may see up to 10 inches of rain. She says a low pressure system will push a lot of moisture into the state.

CUT 4 (04)  “as well”

Hughes says the rains are not likely to stop until this weekend.

CUT 5 (06)  “heavy rain”

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With the special session set to end Wednesday night, lawmakers are scrambling to come up with a plan to address the state’s large budget deficit. There’s talk about increasing the state’s four-cent sales tax by as much two-cents, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the tax burden should be spread out, impacting businesses too…

CUT 6 (10) “as a whole”

It’s estimated that lawmakers are about 150 to 200 million dollars short of what is needed to fill the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30th. Edwards is hoping the House can approve legislation that will call businesses paying higher taxes….

CUT 7 (07) “greater extent”

The legislature has already agreed to raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 22-cents and they are close to approving legislation that would raise taxes on alcohol and the House and Senate have agreed on measures that adds another penny to the states four-cent sales tax. Edwards says the tax increases are necessary to stabilize the state’s budget and avoid deep cuts to higher ed and health care…

CUT 8 (11) “in our history”

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New Orleans native Peyton Manning announced his retirement today after 18 seasons in the NFL and two Super Bowl championships. Nelson Stewart, Manning’s high school teammate and current head coach at Isidore Newman, says Manning’s Super Bowl 50 victory is a fitting way to end his NFL career.

CUT 9 (05) “Hall of Fame career” 

The five time NFL MVP is the only quarterback to win Super Bowl titles with two different teams, one with the Indianapolis Colts and the other with the Denver Broncos. Stewart says Manning helped evolve the NFL into the passing league it’s become.

cut 10 (11)  “for so long”

Manning holds over 20 NFL records, including career passing yards and passing touchdowns, most game-winning drives and most comeback wins. Stewart says he hopes to see Manning continue in the NFL in some way, like ownership or broadcasting.

Cut 11 (10) “for him”

Manning was a Super Bowl MVP, a seven-time first-team All-Pro, and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection. His teams made the playoffs in 15 of the 18 seasons he played.

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The nation’s high court has overturned a 2002 conviction of a Louisiana death row inmate accused in the death of a 16-year-old pizza delivery driver whose body was found near Hammond in 1998. They said prosecutors didn’t turn over evidence in the case that would undermine the conviction of Michael Weary. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says they plan to re-try Weary…:

cut 12 (10) “at this point”

The justices Monday said prosecutors should have turned over information casting doubt on the credibility of a person that testified against Weary. But Perrilloux says they didn’t have some of the evidence referred to in today’s ruling…:

Cut 13 (07)  “physically do not”

Officials say Eric Walber was beaten to death and run over when he was found lying face down on the side of a gravel road in a rural area of Tangipahoa Parish. Perrilloux says the victim’s mother is disappointed, but ready to to move on with prosecutors to get this back to trial…:

cut 14 (07)  “we can”

There is legislation for the regular session that would require the governor to review the state’s agreements with the  Saints and Pelicans. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A bill has been filed by Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb that would raise the fine for texting while driving. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved the Louisiana State Student Standards, which changes Common Core. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Colfax Representative Terry Brown has filed legislation for the regular session that would require the governor to look over Louisiana’s agreements with the Saints and Pelicans and allow him to renegotiate the contracts to reduce state subsidies. Brown says if we’re cutting public dollars for developmentally disabled children and roadways, state-funding for professional sports teams should be reduced…

cut 4  (10)  “water districts”

Brown says since 2002 the Saints and Pelicans have received about 369 million dollars from the state. According to a 2013 Forbes article, Owner Tom Benson will receive 392-million dollars in subsidies through 2025. He says Louisiana is tough fiscal times and tough decisions need to be made…

Cut 5  (09)  “state owned”

Brown says this legislation does not require Governor Edwards to renegotiate with the Saints and Pels, but it asks him to consider altering the contracts. He believes Governor Edwards will do what’s in the best interest of the state.

Cut 6 (09)  “Saints” 

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Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb has filed a bill that would increase the fine for texting while driving. The fine for texting, emailing, or checking social media while driving is currently $175, but this bill seeks to raise that fine to $500. Highway safety advocate Jim Champagne says police are having a hard time getting a handle on the issue.

CUT 7 (09)  “to address”

Champagne says Alaska has the highest penalty for texting while driving, with a $10,000 fine. He says Louisiana’s penalty is relatively low compared to other states. He says too many people are texting or using their phones while driving, and it is not safe for other drivers.

Cut 8  (05)  “almost unbelievable”

Champagne says safe driving habits start with parents and their kids. He says stopping this dangerous practice needs to become a bigger concern for the public.

Cut 9 (11)  “become secondary”

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The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved the Louisiana State Student Standards in English and math, which replaces Common Core in these areas. BESE president Jim Garvey says these new standards still uphold high learning expectations and will help students move forward to better prepare for college and careers.

Cut 10 (10) “substantial”

BESE came to this decision after a steering committee and three subcommittees reviewed and developed the new standards with the help of about 100 educations from around the state and parents and business organizations. Garvey says now the decisions that affect the children in the classroom are made at the local parish level.

cut 11 (10) “the ball”

 The Louisiana State Student Standards will now develop age appropriate content and allow teachers the freedom to decide their method of instruction along with other changes. Garvey says the governor and legislators still have to review these changes. He says the committee worked the hardest on was creating more clarity about what was expected from teachers and students.

cut 12 (10) “be achieved”

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Spring football kicks off today for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals will practice 14 times before the Spring Game, which will take place on April 16th at 3 PM in Tiger Stadium. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the biggest curosity heading into spring is LSU’s new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who is expected to bring a different look to the Tigers defense…

Cut 13 (19)  “years past”

LSU heads into Spring practice, thin at linebacker, especially if the Tigers decide to play a three-four front. Moran says incoming freshman, Michael Divinity, who has already enrolled in school, has a chance to earn himself significant playing time with a good spring…

Cut 14 (17)  “young player” 

On offense, LSU needs to find two new starting tackles as last year’s starters, Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander are getting ready for the NFL draft. Moran says soon to be sophomore Toby Weathersby has a chance to be a starter at tackle…

Cut 15 (15) “a starter” 

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Three days left in the special session to address massive budget shortfalls this fiscal year and next. Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on lawmakers to raise revenues to fill the budget holes and he scored a victory last night when the House approved an increase to the state’s alcohol tax. The bill’s author, Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox, urged his colleagues to support the higher tax…

Cut 16  (09)  “alcohol“

The legislature has already agreed to raise the cigarette tax by 22-cents and it would generate 46-million dollars a year. If the Senate agrees to a higher alcohol tax, it would raise four-million dollars this fiscal year. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody proposed a three-year expiration on the higher tax, which received opposition from democrats, like New Orleans Representative Walt Leger, who expressed concern about layoffs at public colleges, without additional revenues…

Cut 17 (12)   that problem”

Carmody’s proposed amendment was not approved. Louisiana has not raised taxes on alcohol since 1948. Dry Creek Representative Dorothy Sue Hill also objected to a sunset date on the additional beer tax, because it’s been decades since the last time it was raised

Cut 18 (11) “cheers”

Louisiana’s presidential primary is tomorrow, and a UNO poll shows Donald Trump is the favorite to win the state’s Republican primary. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is demanding that the House of Representatives approves more revenue raising bills to close the state’s 900-million deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A University of New Orleans survey shows billionaire businessman Donald Trump as the favorite to win Louisiana’s presidential primary tomorrow. UNO Pollster Edward Chervenak says it’s not surprising Trump is leading the polls in Louisiana.

CUT 3 (08)  “other states”

UNO surveyed nearly 19-hundred registered Republicans and 38-percent chose Trump, 26-percent support Ted Cruz and 11-percent favor  Marco Rubio. Chervenak says Trump is getting the most support from the 1^st Congressional District, which is the most Republican district in the state. He also says there is no gender gap in Trump’s supporters, but his support is stronger among middle-aged voters. He says Trump’s views on fiscal issues is winning him support in Louisiana.

CUT 4 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Meanwhile in the Democratic primary, former-president Bill Clinton made two campaign stops in Louisiana on behalf of his wife Hillary Clinton. Mr. Clinton says his wife has a history of standing up for Louisianans.

CUT 5 (10)  “begin again”

The former-president says his wife wants to create an economy that works for the struggling, the striving and the successful, and create ladders of opportunity that help Americans grow together. He says Hillary is the most qualified candidate for the presidency.

CUT 6 (12) “I think so”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is demanding that the House of Representatives approves more revenue generating bills including a measure that would increase the state’s tax on alcohol for the first time since 1948. Edwards says time is running out on this special session that was called to address the state’s fiscal crisis…

CUT 7 (10) “somewhat catastrophic”

Edwards says without new revenues hospitals, universities and other necessary state services may have to close their doors. He says it’s time for the legislature to act.

CUT 8 (06) “none of the three”

The House and Senate have agreed to some revenue increases and budget cuts that closes the deficit for this fiscal year from 940-million dollars to about 147-million. But the governor says there’s more work to be done in the final days of the special session…

CUT 9 (11) “that number” 

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Louisiana Tech researchers are working with the New Orleans Police Department to help them select new officers who will best fit the N-O-P-D’s new community based approach to law enforcement. Louisiana Tech Professor Frank Igou says N-O-P-D is looking for a particular type of officer as the department seeks to correct civil rights and misconduct issues that have occurred in the past.

cut 10 (09)  “characteristics”

Igou says believes New Orleans P-D contacted Louisiana Tech because they have an intensive research and consulting group. He says researchers traveled to New Orleans to sit in on police academy sessions, ride along with on-duty officers, and to meet with officials to determine who is needed on the force.

Cut 11 (08) “doesn’t”

Igou says they will formulate test questions that applicants will take to judge their aptitude and personality.

cut 12 (09) “evaluation”

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The major candidates running for US Senate in Louisiana in 2016 will appear tomorrow at the annual police jury association meeting in Shreveport. Political Analyst Elliot Stoneciper says eight months before the primary, Republican John Kennedy is the frontrunner.

Cut 13 (10)  “driver’s seat”

Stoneciper says with the current special legislative session, the upcoming regular session, and the presidential primary, the Senate race isn’t really on many voter’s radar just yet. But he says having all the candidates come together for this meeting kicks off the race.

cut 14 (10)  “a difference”

Stoneciper says the big issue is how other Republicans in the race relate to John Kennedy because the State Treasurer’s anti-tax stance has helped boost his popularity.

cut 15 (10) “the lead” 

Tomorrow is the Louisiana Presidential Primary and the Secretary State has some tips for voters to remember. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police is testing a new real-time auto insurance monitoring system to help officers make sure drivers have up to date insurance. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 State lawmakers are making progress in addressing the state’s $900 million deficit, but they still have a ways to go. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Tomorrow is the state’s Presidential Primary and the Secretary of State is urging Louisianans to get out and exercise your right to vote. Tom Schedler says the polls will open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. He says this election is a closed primary…

cut 4  (10)  “to vote”

 Schedler says for 26 parishes there are local elections on the March 5^th ballot. He says check out the Geaux Vote app on your smart phone to see what else could be on your ballot.

Cut 5  (10)  “participate in”

 Schedler says turnout is expected to be higher for this primary than in 2012.

Cut 6 (09)  “voters are” 

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State Police introduces a real-time auto insurance monitoring system to catch motorists who are uninsured. Major Doug Cain says this system, which will be used in the Baton Rouge and Monroe areas first, will provide police with the ability to know at a traffic stop or accident if the driver is actually insured.

CUT 7 (10)  “get feedback”

The Insurance Research Council reports 12 to 15 percent of Louisiana drivers are not insured. Cain says the system being used right now is completely dependent on the insurance companies providing police with the correct information in a timely manner and often times there are lapses. He says now that data will pop up directly on the officer’s computer screen.

Cut 8  (09)  “that time”

Cain says they hope this new system will catch more uninsured motorists, which is one reason why Louisiana has some of the highest insurance rates in the country. He says people driving without auto insurance effect everyone on the road.

Cut 9 (10)  “the highways”

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Injured Southern football player Devon Gales is scheduled to return home Saturday, and Southern University has planned festivities to celebrate his homecoming. Gales has spent the past four months undergoing rehabilitation in Atlanta after sustaining a severe neck injury. Southern Sports Information Director Chris Jones says Gales has received support from people throughout the South.

Cut 10 (07) “his rehab”

Gales will arrive at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport at 11am Saturday, where he will be greeted by Southern University athletic officials. Gales was paralyzed while playing against UGA in September. Jones says that Gales’ positive attitude has had an impact on people around the state.

cut 11 (11) “to make”

 Gales will be reunited with his teammates at A.W. Mumford Field house. Jones says that Gales will be honored at Southern after the women’s basketball game in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

cut 12 (10) “in September”

The meet and greet will begin at about 7pm.

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The state legislature has started making progress on agreeing to a plan that addresses the state’s 900-million budget deficit. The House approved a bill that increases the cigarette tax by 22-cents, while a Senate committee agreed on a measure that would cut 37-million dollars from the budget. Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is glad legislation is moving, but they still have a long way to go.

Cut 13 (09)  “solve it”

The cigarette tax bill still needs to be approved by the Senate and it appears the legislature will approve a one-cent increase to the state sales tax. Johnson says he is concerned about all the taxes that keep coming up that are hitting consumers. He says business needs to “share in the pain” of the deficit.

Cut 14 (08)  “on that end” 

Johnson says it is not fair to ask Louisiana residents to pay more taxes for fewer state services. Covington Representative John Schroder says the budget issue is far from being resolved. He says even though they are closing in on fixing this fiscal year’s shortfall, there is another deficit to consider for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Cut 15 (10) “a billion” 

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater is encouraged by the progress being made at the Capitol. He says the legislature is on the right track by making both cuts and pushing revenue raising measures through the legislature

Cut 16  (10)  “consequences“

The newscall has been updated after the House approved the cigarette tax. 

Lawmakers are filing bills for the regular session that will make changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle announced today he’s joining the race for the 3rd Congressional District seat. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (25)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A man accused of being a member of the Gremlins street gang turned himself in to police late Wednesday, Abbeville Chief Tony Hardy said. He says 22-year-old Cody Guidry of Abbeville is one of 17 people indicted in connection with a lengthy multi-agency investigation into gang activity near Abbeville and three other parishes in South Central Louisiana….:

CUT 3 (06)  “9:30”

The gang is accused of operating in Acadia, Lafayette, Vermilion and St. Martin parishes. Five of the suspected members are still at large. Hardy says these men face many charges related to criminal street gang violations…:

CUT 4 (04)  “to racketeering”

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Lawmakers have started filing bills for the regular session to change the TOPS scholarship program. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says he has filed about a dozen TOPS-related bills, one of which would raise the requirements to qualify for the scholarship.

CUT 5 (09)  “to the plate”

Morrish says one of his bills seeks to raise the GPA requirement for TOPS award from a 2.5 to a 2.75 and the ACT score from a 20 to a 21. The Senate Education Chairman has also filed legislation so that TOPS would no longer cover at 100-pecent a student’s tuition….

CUT 6 (09) “becoming law”

Morrish says lawmakers attempted to cap the amount of the dollars going to TOPS last year, but the bill was vetoed by former-Governor Bobby Jindal.  Morrish says legislators also would like to address the situation of TOPS students dropping out without graduating…

CUT 7 (04) “forgiven”

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It appears the budget stalemate could be over. It started with the Senate Finance committee laying out its plans for addressing the state’s 900-million dollar budget shortfall this fiscal year. Chairman Eric LaFleur says through a combination of tax increases and budget cuts, they can close the deficit, if the House agrees to pass more tax bills that will generate an additional 83-million dollars

CUT 8 (06) “on Monday”

Shortly after the Senate Finance panel met, the House began approving bills to increase revenue, including a measure that would raise the state’s cigarette tax by another 22-cents, to a $1.08 a pack. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative, Walt Leger…

CUT 9 (12) “this product” 

The special session must end March 9th. It’s likely a conference committee will be needed to iron out differences between the House and Senate when it comes to cuts and taxes. But Senate President John Alario likes the direction that budget talks are heading…

cut 10 (07)  “to it”

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Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle announced today he’s joining the race for the 3rd Congressional District seat. He joins five other Republicans looking for the spot being vacated by Congressman Charles Boustany who’s running for US Senate. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says, now that it’s official, Angelle becomes the clear favorite…:

Cut 11 (09) “front of the line”

Other announced candidates include former state lawmaker Brett Geymann of Lake Charles, Lafayette School board member Erick Knezek (Nee-Zick), oil company executive Lt. Col Gregory Ellison, Lafayette businessman Gus Rantz IV and retired US ambassador Grover Joseph Rees. Cross says with such a crowded field, candidates will need to identify strongly with the region…:

cut 12 (11) “holds dear”

Cross says even though Angelle becomes the clear front runner, it’s still anyone’s race. He says it’ll depend on how attractive the candidates are..:

cut 13 (08)  “campaign”

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UL-Lafayette will have to vacate 22 football games between 2011 and 2014, as a result of a two-year NCAA Committee investigation. The committee determined that a former assistant coach falsified ACT scores for five students, meaning those students were ineligible to play. Games involving ineligible players led to vacating those victories. Jay Walker, the voice of the Ragin Cajuns, says he understands the committee’s ruling.

cut 14 (11)  “there are penalties”

Eight victories from the 2011 season, four from 2012, eight from 2013 and two from 2014 will be vacated, including two New Orleans Bowl championships in 2011 and 2013 and the 2013 Sun Belt Conference championship. Walker says the school accepts the penalties and moves on.

cut 15 (06) “move forward” 

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Marco Rubio cancelled his rally in Baton Rouge Friday.

Scientists say the damage from the BP oil spill has significantly diminished since 2010. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The presidential primary is heating up in the wake of Super Tuesday. Louisiana’s primary is Saturday, and it could be a vital state for the candidates. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With only seven days left in the special legislative session, lawmakers are still working to solve the state’s 950 million dollar deficit. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Scientists say the damage caused by the BP oil spill has drastically diminished since 2010. LSU Chemistry Professor Edward Overton says biologists studying the spill’s impacts in Louisiana’s wetlands have seen how the composition has changed from heavily oiled patterns back to normal wetlands.

cut 4  (10)  “2015”

Overton says an oil spill is similar to a car wreck, the most damage comes when the cars hit and the rest is the process of recovery. He says the 2010 BP spill was a huge environmental disaster, but it has been slowly mending itself ever since…

Cut 5  (10)  “to normal”

 Overton says although there’s been progress, we’ve seen land loss and extreme stress placed on animals. But he says he’s surprised it only took five years to see this type of improvement…

Cut 6 (09)  “that oil” 

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Louisiana’s presidential primary is Saturday March 5, so what kind of impact will Bayou State voters have on who receives the Republican and Democratic nomination? ULM Political Science professor Joshua Stockley says Louisiana will be a critical state for the candidates, especially for Republicans.

CUT 7 (08)  “Marco Rubio”

Three Republican candidates remain, as Ben Carson has dropped out of the race. Stockley says the Louisiana delegates are crucial for Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, if they hope to beat Donald Trump. All three Republican candidates planned to be in Louisiana Friday.

Cut 8  (08)  “the nomination”

Cruz will be in Mandeville and Trump will be in New Orleans. Stockley says Democrats in Louisiana will probably support Hilary Clinton, but Trump is not a slam dunk in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (04)  “at this point”

Stockley says Louisiana doesn’t have enough suburban areas to give Rubio the kind of support he’s been drawing in other parts of the country. Rubio cancelled his visit to Baton Rouge Friday.

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There are seven days left in the special legislative session and lawmakers still are at odds over the best way to address the 940 million dollar budget deficit for this fiscal year. Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com (lapolitics.com) says there has been repeated delays on many tax votes, but there should be some movement hopefully this afternoon…

Cut 10 (10) “fiscal year”

Alford says the governor is worried that if lawmakers can’t come up with a solution, another special session will be needed.

cut 11 (09) “history”

Alford says if the House is unable to send over any additional revenue, then Governor Edwards will be left to make more cuts. Meanwhile the House is waiting to see what the Senate does with its proposal to cut 106 million dollars from this fiscal year’s budget. He says right now it’s like the House and Senate are playing a game of chicken…

cut 12 (09) “budget bill”

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Senate Finance Chairman Eric LaFleur, a Democrat from Ville Platte, says House Bill 122 on budget cuts will pass out of his committee Thursday. He says once that happens, more decisions can be made on the state’s deficit…:

Cut 13 (07)  “them in place”

After several days of holding off on any tax votes, the full House convenes at 1pm this afternoon and measures to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are on the agenda. LaFleur says there is nothing worse than being in a political office and having to vote on either a tax increase, or cutting spending in areas that are important to the people…:

Cut 14 (09)  “rightfully so” 

The lower chamber was waiting to see what the Senate would do with cuts before voting on tax measures. LaFleur says everyone will know a lot more after today. He says it’s helped that Governor John Bel Edwards has been meeting with many lawmakers on these issues which is something they’re not used to…:

Cut 15 (10) “make it all happen” 

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The ULM basketball team goes for its eighth straight win tonight as the Warhawks host Georgia Georgia Southern at Seven PM at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. ULM’s winning streak is the fifth longest in the nation and Coach Keith Richard talks about what has gone right

Cut 16  (19)  “responded“

ULM has two more regular season games left and then they’ll compete in the Sun Belt Tournament as the number two seed. Richard says they want to keep building momentum heading into next week’s conference tourney in New Orleans…

Cut 17 (19)   right now”

Richard says he also wants to send the seniors out on a winning note…

Cut 18 (10) “like to be”