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

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (32)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

CUT 3 (10)  “of the friends”

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

CUT 4 (09)  “injured Anderson”

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

CUT 5 (08)  “it was not”

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

CUT 6 (10) “organization, totally”

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

CUT 7 (10) “high moments”

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

CUT 8 (11) “is 2016”

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

CUT 9 (10)  “sugar high”

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

cut 10 (06)  “to them”

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

Cut 11 (04) “at the store”

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

cut 12 (07) “so critical”

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

cut 13 (09)  “buying opportunity”

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

cut 14 (07)  “you should be fine”

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

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

cut 4  (11)  “anticipate”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “those balances”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “disadvantage” 

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

CUT 7 (10)  “to quit”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “smoking cigarettes”

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

Cut 9 (10)  “determination”

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

Cut 10 (11) “this year” 

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

cut 11 (08) “with that”

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

Cut 12 (10) “and advance”

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

Cut 13 (12)  “state police”

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

Cut 14 (06) “been charged”

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

Cut 15  (09) “species”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “this spring”

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

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 3 (07)  “by the House”

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

CUT 4 (11)  “new administration”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “stack up”

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

CUT 6 (08) “next year”

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

CUT 7 (09) “revenue”

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

CUT 8 (06) “whatever reason”

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

CUT 9 (10)  “in the playoffs”

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

cut 10 (08)  “shocking development”

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

Cut 11 (09) “three years”

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

cut 12 (12) “2015”

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

cut 13 (06)  “regarding the case”

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

cut 14 (09)  “it doesn’t”

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

cut 15 (10)  “taken lightly”

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

cut 16 (07)  “as well”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

cut 4  (06)  “right now”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “go down”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “a lot worse” 

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

CUT 7 (09)  “elsewhere”

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

Cut 8  (09)  “historic properties”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “death threats”

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

Cut 10 (10) “those issues” 

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

cut 11 (09) “are important”

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

Cut 12 (08) “special session”

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

Cut 13 (09)  “not going to be easy”

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

Cut 14 (09) “this event”

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

Cut 15  (15) “Ben is better”

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

Cut 16  (11)  “it’s surreal”

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

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

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

CUT 3 (11)  “of providers”

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

CUT 4 (07)  “indigent care”

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

CUT 5 (07)  “of Louisiana”

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

CUT 6 (12) “state’s finances”

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

CUT 7 (09) “pulled together”

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

CUT 8 (08) “in Louisiana”

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

CUT 9 (05)  “gumbo”

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

cut 10 (09)  “or never”

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

Cut 11 (07) “same room”

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

cut 12 (09) “can’t undo it”

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

cut 13 (08)  “of those teams”

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

cut 14 (09)  “colder water”

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

cut 15 (10)  “very rare”

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

cut 16 (11)  “2006”

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

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

cut 4  (10)  “as well”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “the line”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “better off” 

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

CUT 7 (10)  “Capital City”

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

Cut 8  (10)  “tremendously”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “those things”

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

Cut 10 (09) “of society” 

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

cut 11 (10) “non-functioning”

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

Cut 12 (06) “to do, too”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “in 2011”

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

Cut 14 (09) “this event”

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

Cut 15  (08) “to do that”

_________________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (19)  “do everything”

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

Cut 17 (12) “pretty quickly”

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

Cut 18 (20) “draft stock”

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

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

CUT 3 (10)  “to 50-percent”

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

CUT 4 (05)  “over the state”

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

CUT 5 (08)  “paying jobs”

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

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

CUT 6 (10) “down the road”

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

CUT 7 (06) “of those things”

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

CUT 8 (08) “in Louisiana”

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

CUT 9 (09)  “to internists”

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

cut 10 (08)  “in the wall”

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

Cut 11 (10) “30-40 bucks a bottle”

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

cut 12 (10) “and die”

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

cut 13 (07)  “I’m into”

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

cut 14 (05)  “flat broke”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

cut 4  (09)  “for us”

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

Cut 5  (08)  “any prize”

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

Cut 6 (04)  “ticket early” 

______________________________________

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

CUT 7 (1o)  “state’s portion”

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

Cut 8  (11)  “any other program”

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

Cut 9 (08)  “help us”

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

Cut 10 (12) “category” 

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

cut 11 (07) “some more”

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

Cut 12 (09) “bumper production”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “here in the US”

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

Cut 14 (09) “support each other”

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

Cut 15  (07) “so to speak”

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

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

CUT 3 (06)  “on the workers”

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

CUT 4 (10)  “people to hire”

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

CUT 5 (10)  “to spend it”

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

CUT 6 (09) “no agreement”

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

CUT 7 (08) “ticket with”

Meche says always sign the back of your ticket.

CUT 8 (08) “your ticket”

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

CUT 9 (09)  “something wrong”

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

cut 10 (09)  “in it”

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

Cut 11 (09) “sheriff’s office”

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

cut 12 (08) “in a bowl”

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

cut 13 (04)  “of the wins”

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

cut 14 (06)  “responsible for it”

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

cut 15 (11)  “financial security”

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

cut 16 (12)  “funds”

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

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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

cut 4  (07)  “per second”

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

Cut 5  (10)  “be prepared”

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

Cut 6 (08)  “to open” 

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

CUT 7 (12)  “governor”

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

Cut 8  (07)  “his agenda”

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

Cut 9 (09)  “be enough”

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

Cut 10 (11) “fiscal year” 

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

cut 11 (07) “happens right”

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

Cut 12 (12) “fix those”

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

Cut 13 (10)  “welcome centers”

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

Cut 14 (09) “long term fix”

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

Cut 15  (07) “in Louisiana”

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

Cut 16  (10)  “the bench”

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

Cut 17 (09) “they play”

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

Cut 18 (11) “carried out properly”