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”

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

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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.

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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” 

________________________________________________________

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”

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”

______________________________________

 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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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” 

_________________________________________________________

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 will be in Louisiana Friday.

Cut 8  (08)  “the nomination”

Cruz will be in Mandeville, Rubio will be in Baton Rouge, 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.

______________________________________

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”

_________________________________________________________

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” 

________________________________________________________

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”

Former US Representative Joseph Cao has announced he will run for the US Senate seat that David Vitter will vacate. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The West Monroe-based show Duck Dynasty marks its 100^th episode today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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One person was killed and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash last night near the Roanoke community in Jefferson Davis parish. Sgt. James Anderson with Louisiana State Police says none of the adults involved in the accident were wearing seat belts.

CUT 3 (10)  “received injuries”

25-year-old Kevin Daigle of Elton was pronounced dead at a Lafayette hospital. Anderson says the crash was the result of 24-year-old Kayla Laborde failing to stop at a stop sign.

CUT 4 (10)  “been prevented”

A two-year-old in one of the vehicles was restrained and received moderate injuries. Anderson says not wearing seat belts had serious consequences for the adults involved.

CUT 5 (06)  “85 feet”

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Former US Representative Joseph Cao (Gow) has entered the race for the US Senate seat that will vacated by David Vitter. Eight well-known candidates are now in the race. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says fundraising may be the defining factor in this race because so many candidates are competing for limited funds in the state.

CUT 6 (07) “dropping out”

Cross says some of the candidates may have to self-fund. Cao, a republican, served one term in the House beginning in 2009. Cross says with so many familiar names in the race, Cao is not a favorite to head into the run off.

CUT 7 (11) “a shot”

Cross says Republicans John Kennedy, Charles Boustany and John Fleming are favorites to make the runoff. He says their name recognition and available funds will give them a leg up. Democrats Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard are also in the running, but Cross says only one of them may have a real shot.

CUT 8 (07) “for Republicans”

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Duck Dynasty fans are celebrating at the Duck Commander Warehouse in West Monroe as the show airs its 100^th episode tonight. Willie Robertson’s wife Korie, who also co-owns Duck Commander, says the family has received a lot of encouragement from Louisianans.

CUT 9 (06) “the whole process” 

The celebration continues throughout the day as members of the Robertson family say thanks to their fans at the warehouse. Robertson says the small town of West Monroe has seen a huge boost in tourism since the show aired.  She says the best thing about filming the show has been spending time together with their family.

cut 10 (07)  “been great”

Robertson says they are already filming season 10, and their new adopted 13-year-old son Rowdy Robertson will make appearances in the new season – joining 5 other siblings. The one hour season 9 finale airs tonight at 8pm on A&E.

Cut 11 (06) “it together”

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Parents with children that have developmental disabilities went before the Senate Finance Committee urging lawmakers to increase taxes to help fund programs that help them take care of their kids. Ashley McReynolds is the mother of 9-year-old Cooper who has a serious genetic disorder that makes him feel like he’s starving to death. She says without state assistance they would not be able to raise Cooper at home…

cut 12 (10) “together”

A Zachary father also spoke before the committee telling them about his 14-year-old son, Blaine, who suffers from severe autism and a rare chromosome condition. He says with two other kids in college, he needs assistance from the state to help him take care of Blaine.

cut 13 (12)  “right thing”

The testimony definitely touched members of the Senate Finance Committee like Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt….

cut 14 (08)  “as well”

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Louisiana ranks 11^th in paid wind insurance claims in the US. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 Louisiana is the worst state for women, according to a new study from WalletHub. Halen Doughty reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

 After watching gas prices fall for several weeks, they are starting to move back up as refineries perform maintenance to get ready for the busy summer season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A study from State Farm finds Louisiana comes in at number 11 for states in paid wind claims. Company spokesperson Roszell Gadson says in 2015, State Farm paid 33-hundred wind and tornado claims on structures around the state. Gadson says last week’s tornado outbreak illustrates we we are in a very active part of the country when it comes to severe weather…

cut 4  (08)  “your home”

 Texas ranked number one with more than 11-thousand paid State Farm wind and tornado claims. Gadson says State Farm encourages Louisiana residents to take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week by checking to make sure their insurance policy covers wind claims….

Cut 5  (10)  “you needed”

 2016 has already been active year for severe weather. He says they’re currently working with policyholders who were impacted by last week’s severe weather and tornadoes.

Cut 6 (10)  “to normal” 

_________________________________________________________

According to a new study from WalletHub, Louisiana is the worst state for women. Jill Gonzales from Wallet Hub says they looked at over 15 metrics including median earnings for female workers, women’s preventative healthcare, the female uninsured rate and the female homicide rate.

CUT 7 (04)  “those metrics here”

Gonzales says Louisiana has one of the highest high school dropout rates for women at just over 4%. She says the ranking for women’s equality in the workplace is also very low. She says there are things our state can do to improve its ranking.

Cut 8  (08)  “for women”

Louisiana ranks near the bottom in terms of women living in poverty. Gonzales says only New Mexico and Mississippi have higher poverty rates for women.

Cut 9 (04)  “in poverty”

Gonzales says the median income and unemployment rates for women contribute to that number. Louisiana ranked 33^rd for women’s unemployment rate and 31^st for median earnings tor females.

______________________________________

Gas prices are starting to rise as refineries conduct maintenance in preparation for the busy driving season this summer. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average has increased over three cents since last week and this price increase is typical for this time of year.

Cut 10 (08) “oil prices”

Redman says refineries are also slowing production in response to abundant supplies, but he says gas prices shouldn’t get too high.

cut 11 (09) “prices down”

 Currently the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.58. Redman says he anticipates the price to keep rising through March….

cut 12 (04) “$1.75”

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The State House of Representatives continues to put off voting on numerous tax bills, including one that would increase the tax on alcohol for the first time in decades. Governor John Bel Edwards has suggested tax hikes as a way to help solve the state’s fiscal crisis. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says he’s still trying to come up with 70 votes on the House floor for his bill to get approval…

Cut 13 (06)  “nasty”

The state is facing a $940 million deficit this fiscal year and a $2 billion deficit next fiscal year. Cox says the state needs the revenue raised by the tax to close this gap.

Cut 14 (03)  “can get” 

He says that despite rumors about the bill, the tax increase won’t be much if the bill passes.

Cut 15 (06) “per can” 

The special legislative session to address the state’s budget deficit ends March 9^th.

________________________________________________________

The Sun Belt Conference is removing New Mexico State and Idaho from its league. The two football-only members will leave the conference following the 2017 season. With the addition of Coastal Carolina, the Sun Belt will be a 10-member league in 2018. Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson likes the idea of a 10-team league and will discuss with coaches and ADs about adding a conference championship game…

Cut 16  (21)  “nine conference games“

Benson says there are no plans to expand past 10 teams. He says one of the big questions facing the league is whether they’ll play an eight game conference schedule or nine…

Cut 17 (17)     2017″

According to a new report from Bankrate-dot-com, Louisiana is the 5^th worst state for retirement. Halen Doughty has the story…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Education leaders are working on a plan to make sure more students apply for financial assistance to attend a two-year or four year college. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana is the 5^th worst state for retirement, according to a new report from Bankrate-dot-com. Claes (Claus) Bell, a senior analyst at Bankrate, says they examined several key factors to determine the quality of life in retirement, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare, crime, and residents’ overall well-being.

CUT 3 (06)  “healthcare”

Bell says the crime rate is an important factor because elderly people are typically targets for crime. Weather was also considered in the study.

CUT 4 (04)  “as well”

While people may think of beaches when they think retirement, only one of the 10 best states touches a coast, but 9 of the 12 worst states are coastal. It’s not all bad news for Louisiana. Bell says retirees who live on a fixed income may find Louisiana a good state to spend their golden years….

CUT 5 (08)  “did well”

Wyoming is the best state for retirement, and New York is the worst. West Virginia, Oregon and Arkansas also finished behind Louisiana.

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A Baton Rouge man has been arrested after an unrelated DNA test links him to a 1996 rape case. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says 20 years ago, a 17-year-old girl was walking down the street and asked now 59-year-old Jerry Williams for a ride, where he then took her to his house and raped her. He says during the initial investigation, detectives had trouble re-contacting the victim so the case went unsolved…

CUT 6 (10) “1996”

Coppola says Williams was arrested back in December for one count of domestic abuse battery when his DNA test was conducted. He says Williams was questioned about the rape in 1996 but investigators weren’t able to follow up with the victim…

CUT 7 (10) “be served”

Coppola says Williams was booked on the charge of second degree rape.

CUT 8 (08) “was found”

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A Financial Aid Working Group is meeting today to formulate a plan to make sure public high school students comply with a new policy requiring them to apply for assistance to go to college. Department of Education’s Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford says only 44% of students are applying for any kind of financial aid, which is disappointing….

CUT 9 (12) “graduating seniors” 

Bradford says 55% of the new jobs in Louisiana will require at least one to two years of specialized education or training. He says many families don’t realize that, even if a student doesn’t get a scholarship, there are other options out there that help pay for education after high school.

cut 10 (07)  “financial aid”

Bradford says, in two years, students will have to either fill out a financial aid form, apply for TOPS or sign a waiver allowing them to opt out in order to get their diploma. He says the Financial Aid Working Group is also discussing how schools can be more of assistance in helping students get financial aid.

Cut 11 (07) “in 2018”

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With just 8 days left in the special legislative session, legislators are slowly working to fix Louisiana’s massive budget deficit. Ruston Representative Robert Shadoin says things are moving, but sometimes it seems to be at a glacial pace. He believes in the coming days there will be increased communication between the Senate and the House and bills…

cut 12 (09) “it done”

Shadoin says there will likely be some changes to the House’s budget cut bill that was passed because those cuts went deeper than anticipated. He says he didn’t want to vote for the increase in the sales tax but it had to be done…

cut 13 (10)  “higher education”

Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson is the author of the legislation that increases the state’s sales tax by another penny. But Jackson says they still need another 175 million to 250 million dollars to close the deficit. And she says there are still numerous revenue raising bills that can be passed by the house.

cut 14 (09)  “this deficit”

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More potential budget cuts to higher education could mean lower enrollment numbers at LSU. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (32) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week to get the public to create a game plan for emergencies. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill for the regular session that will prevent new students from participating in the state’s voucher program. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Discussion about deep budget cuts to higher education could mean fewer students at LSU. The TOPS Scholarship Program is only funded at 25% for the next school year. Without TOPS, many students may have to rethink their education plans. LSU President F. King Alexander is concerned about enrollment numbers dropping because of budget concerns in Louisiana.

cut 4  (06)  “other universities”

Alexander stands by comments that LSU football is at risk. He says unless enough revenue is raised, they may have to close summer school and only about half of the athletes will be eligible to play in the fall.  He says unfortunately LSU’s budget problems is impacting recruiting…

Cut 5  (10)  “to LSU”

Alexander says if LSU is expected to win on the football field, they should be expected to win in the classroom too. But he says the university needs the necessary funding to do that. He says LSU ranks 46^th in the nation for how much they invest in each student.

Cut 6 (09)  “selling point” 

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Today is Super Tuesday, so will Louisiana’s presidential primary still matter on Saturday, March 5^th? Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics says Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are in a strong position to receive their party’s nomination as people in 12 states will vote today. Couvillon says it’s possible the democratic nomination will be sewn up after tonight.

CUT 7 (06)  “Super Tuesday”

Couvillon says Louisiana will still get attention after Super Tuesday. He says Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio will still be contenders in the race…

Cut 8  (06)  “March 5th”

Couvillion says because of the closed party primary vote in Louisiana, in which Republicans can only vote for Republicans, Trump is not a slam dunk to win Louisiana…

Cut 9 (07)  “Cruz some”

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Governor John Bel Edwards declares this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in an effort to get families to create a game plan in the event of an emergency. Chris Guilbeau, Deputy Director with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says this comes at a good time as 13 confirmed tornadoes touched down last week…

Cut 10 (10) “their family”

Guilbeau says making a checklist and packing an emergency kit full of supplies like batteries and a flashlight are all parts of creating a game plan. He says always monitor radio and television stations giving current updates and keep an eye out for warnings…

cut 11 (10) “for them”

 Guilbeau says visit get-a-game-plan-dot-org (getagameplan.org) for more tips on how residents can protect themselves during severe weather. He says they’ve also developed a smartphone app, called Alert FM, so people can receive digital alerts.

cut 12 (09) “that app”

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A bill has been filed for the regular session calling for a freeze on the state voucher program, which allows students in public schools with a C, D or F rating to attend private schools at the state’s expense. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith says the program is costing public schools money at a time when the state can’t afford it.

Cut 13 (09)  “ones out”

There are currently just over seven thousand students with vouchers in Louisiana. Smith says legislators need to resolve the budget crisis before expanding the program.

Cut 14 (06)  “new vouchers” 

A recent study by Tulane University shows that students in the voucher program did not perform as well in math. Smith says the program needs to be reevaluated.

Cut 15 (05) “voucher program” 

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The Saints have released Marques Colston their alltime leading receiver. Colston was a consistent performer for the Black and Gold during his 10 seasons in New Orleans. He caught 72 touchdown passes and had over 97-hundred receiving yards. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it will be difficult for the Saints to replace his production…

Cut 16  (16)  “wide receiver position“

Detillier says Colston goes down as the Saints best receiver in the franchise’s history…

Cut 17 (09)     in the field”

Detillier says Colston will be tough to replace, but he advises against the Saints using an early draft pick to find his replacement…

Cut 18 (13) “than a receiver”

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