We’re into week two of the legislative session and nothing has emerged from lawmakers on how to address the one-point-six billion dollar budget deficit. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Blue Bell Ice Cream has recalled every single one of its products everywhere on continued threats of a Listeria Bacteria. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Walker Police says a man accused of raping a woman at knifepoint at a Livingston Parish laundromat has been arrested. Captain John Sharp says the incident occurred late Sunday night. He says the victim was approached by the suspect asking if she had any spare change…

CUT 3 (10)  “the rape occurred”

He says when the victim told the suspect she had no spare change, he produced a knife and forced the victim into a bathroom where he raped her and stole money from her purse. Sharp says the laundromat has a good surveillance system and authorities were able to review the surveillance video quickly…

CUT 4 (06)  “of Walker”

40-year-old Lionel Myles of Walker was arrested and charged with aggravated rape, aggravated assault, battery, and armed robbery. Sharp says crimes like this are rare in Walker, so when it occurs, they take it very seriously…

CUT 5 (07)  “is owed that”

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

We’re into week two of the legislative session and nothing has emerged from lawmakers on how to address the one-point-six billion dollar budget deficit. Jeremy Alford, publisher of la-politics-dot-com, says a key bill to remove the inventory tax credit was shelved, because there’s not enough votes to get it passed out of Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs….

CUT 6 (08)  “square one”

Alford says what makes this challenging for the legislature is Jindal’s revenue neutrality policy which they have to follow…

CUT 7 (11) “in savings”

Legislators believe if they repeal the inventory tax credit, they could offset the expected $500 million in tax savings with the same amount in tax increases. Alford says, with eight weeks left in the legislative session, no one really knows what to expect…

CUT 8 (06)  “play out”

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

The reward for information about those responsible for the gruesome beheading of a goat, which was recorded with a cell phone, is now $14,000. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Destinie Hammond says their members are disgusted by the video showing a group of young men cutting off the animal’s head with a machete type sword…:

CUT 9 (09)  “offer donations”

Hammond says the graphic video shows the culprits standing in a circle around a plastic swimming pool with a string tied around the goat’s neck before one of them beheads the animal…:

cut 10 (10) “very horrific”

Hammond says they got the video from a New Orleans University police officer, but they aren’t sure where the incident actually took place. She says if your tip leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved, the money will be paid out and you will be kept anonymous…:

cut 11 (06)  “or Crimestoppers”

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

Blue Bell Ice Cream has recalled every single one of its products everywhere on continued threats of a Listeria Bacteria. Authorities now believe there are 10 listeria illnesses linked to the ice cream over the last 5 years. State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard says once the CDC put two and two together with these sicknesses, the company has to act..:

cut 12 (08)  “physicians know”

DHH says there have been no recorded illnesses of listeria infections in Louisiana so far. Ratard says if you have any Blue Bell ice cream in your fridge, throw it away and do not eat it. He says the people most at risk of getting an infection caused by listeria are those with low immune systems…:

cut 13 (05)  “very wrong”

The Blue Bell recall includes all of its ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and other frozen treats. Ratard says listeria causes infections which start with high fever and if you think Blue Bell ice cream has made you sick, seek medical attention right away…:

cut 14 (10) “get sick”

This is National Infant Immunization Week and the state Department of Health and Hospitals encourages families to get their infants immunized. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

The number of independent or no party voters is growing fast in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

According to an LSU Public Policy Polling survey done for the state’s film industry, 80% of Louisianians agree it’s good for the economy to have movies made here. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

This is National Infant Immunization Week and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals encourages families to get their infants immunized. DHH Immunization Medical Director, Dr. Frank Welch, says people need vaccinations across their lifespans, but this week the focus is on babies…

cut 4  (08) “focus on them”

DHH immunization programs educate parents and health care providers to protect infants and toddlers from vaccine-preventable diseases. Welch says part of National Infant Immunization Week is encouraging parents to contact their pediatrician to not only make sure their babies are protected, but protected on time…

Cut 5  (07)  “exposed to it”

Welch says vaccinations are safe, effective, and potentially life-saving. He says the goal is to have 90-percent of children immunized by 2020 and Louisiana currently sits at about 74-percent. Welch says everyone has an opinion about vaccinations, but in this case you really want an educated opinion…

Cut 6 (07)  “the community”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says Independent or “No Party” voters is the fastest growing group of registered voters in Louisiana. Schedler says “other” party registration has increased by nearly 75-hundred since last summer…

CUT 7 (12)  “seems to be growing”

Schedler says the “No Party” trend is not just happening in Louisiana…

Cut 8  (10)  “national level” 

Schedler believes the rise in independent or no party voters is the result of the constant bickering between the republican and democratic party on the national level

Cut 9 (10)  “with either group”

______________________________________

According to an LSU Public Policy Polling survey done for the state’s film industry, 80% of Louisianians agree it’s good for the economy to have movies made here. The survey also found that about half of the public isn’t aware that Louisiana is No. 1 in the nation for movie production. Baton Rouge’s Celtic Studios Executive Director Patrick Mulhearn says movies mean jobs…:

Cut 10 (08) “works in the industry”

48% of those polled said they had a positive opinion of the film tax credit program. Mulhearn says while not perfect, the tax benefits are helping put money in people’s pockets..:

cut 11 (08) “for the long term”

Mulhearn says Louisiana has been nicknamed Hollywood South and he believes people like that…:

cut 12 (08)   “for everyone”

______________________________________

State Police has shared a heartwarming story about their rescue of a dog who was spotted in a swamp under I-10 near I-55 in LaPlace. Trooper Melissa Matey says they were rendering assistance to a stranded motorist who told them there was a trapped dog that was in the swamp below the interstate…:

Cut 13 (09)  “Cajun Pride Swamp tours”

Matey says Captain Brandon with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours offered to help out but they realized that it wasn’t possible to get a boat to the dog’s location due to the area being heavily wooded. She says the swamp tour guide then walked about a half a mile through the swamp to get to the animal…:

Cut 14 (08) “to safety”

Matey says the dog has a severe injury to his front leg and several puncture wounds around his body. She says donations are being accepted and will go to the Jefferson SPCA for the dog’s care. You can find the GoFundMe account like on the LSP Facebook page. Matey says if you witness someone dumping animals on or near the interstate please let them know.:

Cut 15  (09)  “that person”

_______________________________

An already very good basketball recruiting class for LSU gets better with the addition of Mr. Louisiana Basketball, Brandon Sampson.  The MVP in Class One-A this past season has signed his national letter of intent to play at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it’s a big pick-up for Coach Johnny Jones…

Cut 16  (13)  “to the class”

Sampson averaged nearly 16 points a game as he led Madison Prep High School to the Class One-A Championship. Worsham says the Baton Rouge product is an excellent scorer…

Cut 17 (19)  “day one”

Sampson adds to a class that already boasts the nation’s number player in Ben Simmons, plus five-star guard Antonio Blakeney along with Arizona transfer Craig Victor. Worsham says expectations will be high for men’s basketball at LSU next season…

Cut 18 (07) ” final four”‘

______________________________________

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and a documentary filmmaker says the event and aftermath still affect people who were involved. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

According to Gasbuddy.com, the price of gasoline in Louisiana is up 6 cents over last week. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (25) “reporting”

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

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and a documentary filmmaker says the event and aftermath still affect the people who were involved. Margaret Brown, director and producer of the documentary “The Great Invisible”, says it was difficult to hear stories from workers on the rig who are still suffering from nightmares and PTSD…

CUT 3 (08)  “to listen to”

But she says these stories are important for people to hear. “The Great Invisible” airs tonight at 9:30 on LPB. Brown says her documentary explores how this disaster has affected more than just the oil industry…

CUT 4 (07)  “are impacted”

Brown, a native of Mobile, AL, says seeing the impact the oil spill had on the Gulf Coast was both fascinating and sometimes really sad. She traveled to small towns and cities to explore the lasting legacy of the disaster on the Gulf Coast region. Brown feels more should be done to prevent another disaster like this…

CUT 5 (07)  “should know”

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

Gas prices have been steadily increasing over the past week. According to Gasbuddy.com the current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.23. Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says what we’re paying at the pump today is 6 cents higher in Louisiana than this time last week..:

CUT 6 (10)  “and change”

Laskoski says the good news is that prices today are about $1.24 less than what we were paying a year ago. He says part of the reason for the increase this week in crude oil prices is an overreaction by traders to data that came out from the Department of Energy showing a bump in inventory…:

CUT 7 (10) “this year”

Laskoski believes over the next few months there will be more downward pressure on the market than upward pressure. He says if that happens the price at the pump would start going down again, if not in the next few weeks at least by late May, early June as we get into peak summer driving season…:

CUT 8 (09)  “declining prices”

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

US Senator David Vitter announces that he has raised over $5.2 million in his bid to become Louisiana’s next governor. More than $1.1 million dollars was raised in the first quarter of 2015 and the campaign reports it has $4.2 million in cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Vitter is off to a good start…

CUT 9 (12)  “15 million”

Vitter held a commanding lead among announced gubernatorial candidates in fundraising at the end of 2014 with $4.1 million raised. Stockley says Vitter has an edge over the other candidates because he’s been able to establish relationships with interest groups across the nation over the last 10 years as a US Senator…

cut 10 (10) “to Louisiana”

A political action committee that’s been set up to help Vitter has another 3.5 million dollars in cash on hand. With about six months before the election, Stockley says it is possible for Jay Dardenne, Scott Angelle, and John Bel Edwards can catch up to Vitter’s fundraising efforts. He says the other candidates need to distinguish themselves from Vitter and use their differences to impress local groups…

cut 11 (10)  “Washington, DC”

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

A bill that would taper off the transfer of money from the state’s road and bridge fund to state police clears the House appropriations committee. The measure would limit the of dollars going to LSP from the Transportation Trust Fund to $40 million starting in July, then $25 million next year and $10 million in future years. Lafayette Representative Terry Landry is the bill’s author…:

cut 12 (12)  “for other needs”

Landry, a former state police commander, says he would never do anything which would adversely impact that agency, but robbing Peter to pay Paul is not a good way to do business…:

cut 13 (09)  “$12 billon dollars behind”

The proposal now heads to the House floor for further consideration. Landry says right now the state diverts about $65 million a year from the Transportation Trust Fund to state police. He says citizens are demanding improved travel conditions in Louisiana…:

cut 14 (11) “Transportation Trust Fund”

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

This week lawmakers will begin public hearings on how to deal with the state’s $1.6 billion budget deficit. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The chairwoman of the Louisiana House Transportation Committee proposes a one cent sales tax that could generate $7 billion dollars over the next decade to help fund roads and bridges. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

It’s the five year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, which sent millions of barrels of oil into the gulf. Scott Carwile reports one LSU researcher says the Gulf has had a remarkable recovery

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

This week lawmakers will begin public hearings on how to deal with the state’s $1.6 billion budget deficit. Legislation that would raise more revenue will get their first hearing today in the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. Governor Bobby Jindal says dealing with this deficit will be complicated, but feels conversations so far have been very positive…

cut 4  (09) “and health care”

The House Ways and Means Committee will begin hearing tax bills tomorrow. One proposed tax to generate more revenue that has received a lot of talk would raise the cigarette tax in Louisiana to the national average. Jindal says he remains opposed to raising taxes, but recognizes that the state tax code is not written in stone…

Cut 5  (09)  “different combinations”

Jindal says he would support raising taxes in one area as long as there are tax cuts to offset the increase. He says the state could raise over half a billion dollars by taking away refunds given to businesses for 12 different taxes. Jindal says it would be wrong to protect these tax credits and then make deeper cuts to higher ed and health care…

Cut 6 (10)  “and health care”

______________________________________

The chairwoman of the Louisiana House Transportation Committee proposes a one cent sales tax that could generate $7 billion dollars over the next decade to help fund roads and bridges. Pierre Part Representative Karen St. Germain says the state needs to free up money needed for preservation and maintenance because we need to take care of what we have…:

CUT 7 (11)  “isn’t quite there yet”

St. Germain also has a bill that would increase the state tax on gasoline based on the price at the pump to help offset depletion of revenues that are supposed to be dedicated to improving highway capacity and infrastructure. She says the $12 billion dollar backlog of construction and capacity projects all over the state is not a DOTD problem…:

Cut 8  (05)  “and those things” 

St. Germain says the state is facing serious problems and current revenue sources will never provide enough funding to keep up with needed highway construction much less address future needs. She says there are many important issues being discussed this session and this should be one of them…:

Cut 9 (06)  “to get there”

______________________________________

The USDA says honey production in the United States was up 19 percent from 2013 to 2014 and continues to climb. A study indicates there were 2.74 million colonies producing honey in 2014, up 4 percent from the prior year. Thomas Rinderer is the head of the USDA’s Baton Rouge Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research…:

Cut 10 (11) “their bees”

Rinderer says this is a good sign as there was a long period of time honeybee colonies were on the decline. He says in the last 20 years the number of commercially kept colonies is down by about half but that has a lot to do with the economy of keeping bees…:

cut 11 (10) “stay in business”

Rinderer says honeybees are essential to food production throughout the world. He says most of what we eat is dependent upon pollination by inspects, primarily bees…:

cut 12 (11)   “salt of agriculture”

______________________________________

Today marks the five year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon spill, which is considered America’s worst environment disaster ever. An estimated three to four million barrels of oil spewed into the Gulf for 87 days after the Deepwater Horizon explosion. But LSU department of environmental sciences professor Ed Overton is impressed with how well the Gulf has bounced back..

Cut 13 (10)  “unbelieveable”

Overton says we’re lucky the oil that discharged from the damaged well was highly degradable and the gulf is well acclimated to degrade oil….

Cut 14 (09) “the oil”

Overton also says it doesn’t look there’s been a lasting impact with the shrimp and crab populations. But scientists have recorded an increase in deaths for dolphins and sea turtles, but Overton says the higher morality rate for dolphins began before the spill and he doesn’t think the spill will wipe out the sea turtle population

Cut 15  (10)  “build back”

______________________________________

LSU quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris combined to throw for 420 yards and four touchdowns in Saturday’s spring game. Harris threw for 178 yards and two scores, Jennings had 242 passing and two TDs. Coach Les Miles likes how the two developed over the spring, but they still need to get more consistent…

Cut 16  (15)  “are improved”

LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron likes the direction the offense is heading…

Cut 17 (15)  “good running backs”

Who will be LSU’s starting quarterback is still a mystery at this point and Miles says both players can still get much better

Cut 18 (14) ” could be”‘

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech also completed spring practice on Saturday and three quarterbacks for the Bulldogs threw touchdown passes. Jeff Driskel threw for 269 yards and four touchdowns, Ryan Higgins had 214 passing yards and one TD and Price Wilson threw for 181 yards and a TD. Coach Skip Holtz says all three of them showed they are capable…

Cut 19 (16)  “that stadium “

On defense, former West Monroe standout Michael Mims had an excellent game as he racked up nine tackles. Holtz has been impressed with Mims, who has made the move from safety to outside linebacker…

Cut 20 (20)  “on the field”

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger has announced plans to lay off approximately 11,000 additional employees due to the reduction in oil prices. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

A new poll on the Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire says Governor Bobby Jindal has the best favorability rating among all the presidential hopefuls. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (24) “reporting”

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

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger has announced plans to lay off approximately 11,000 additional employees due to the reduction in oil prices. LSU Economist Loren Scott says oil companies are dealing with oil prices roughly half of what they were a year ago and they’re asking these service companies for a break in the fees they charge…

CUT 3 (06)  “what’s going on”

He says the drop in oil prices has led to a decline in exploration and production, mainly on land rigs. When those rigs aren’t drilling, there is less need for service companies. Scott believes a majority of these layoffs will occur in states that depend on drilling on land…

CUT 4 (10)  “and Pennsylvania”

In January, Schlumberger announced they were reducing their workforce by 9,000 employees. There is some land drilling in northwest and eastern Louisiana. But Scott says since most of Louisiana’s oil and gas jobs are offshore, the extent of the layoffs should be less here…

CUT 5 (08)  “planning horizons”

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

A new poll on the Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire says Governor Bobby Jindal is someone to keep an eye on after receiving the best favorability rating out of all the presidential hopefuls. Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling says Jindal’s favorability rating was 43-percent. He says it really stuck out on this poll…

CUT 6 (09)  “him back in”

Jensen says Jindal has recently been excluded from their Republican presidential polls after consistently polling in last place. He says these new favorability numbers could see Jindal’s name thrown back in the mix…

CUT 7 (10) “where he is“

Jindal will speak this weekend at the Republican Leadership Summit in New Hampshire which features other potential presidential candidates. Jensen says Jindal’s stock could rise even more if he touts his conservative agenda at this event…

CUT 8 (08)  “conservative principles”

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

Four to six inches of rain fell during a two hour period Thursday afternoon in Alexandria, flooding about 50 homes. Police also say there were numerous car crashes and the fire department participated in about 50 water related rescues. Lance Escude, with the National Weather Service, says more rain is on the way

CUT 9 (10)  “to redelop”

Escude says the southern half of the state remains under a flash flood watch through Saturday afternoon…

cut 10 (08) “definitely possible”

Escude says it looks like this rainy weather pattern will end Sunday as rain chances decrease on that day

cut 11 (06)  “dry out”

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

The former Knight Oil Tools employee that authorities say was involved in a conspiracy to plant drugs on another person has turned himself in. Captain John Babin, with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office, says Russell Manual is the fourth person to be arrested as part of this investigation….

cut 12 (11)  “intimidating witness”

Authorities say Manual, along with a state trooper and a Lafayette Sheriff’s deputy, who have both been arrested, were involved in a plot to have Brian Knight arrested on drug charges. Babin says Knight’s brother Mark, the former CEO of Knight Oil Tools, was also arrested this week….

cut 13 (09)  “the appropriate manner”

An arrest warrant was issued for Manual earlier this week and Babin says he eventually gave himself up to the authorities

cut 14 (05) “eventually booked”

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office believes the shooting ambush of one of their deputies Thursday stemmed from a man upset over traffic in a school zone. Sheriff Greg Champagne says 36-year-old Cpl. Burt Hazeltine was confronted by 56-year-old John Paul Devillier who left the scene then returned to a nearby gas station and began dangling a gun out of his truck…

cut 15 (10) “three times”

It’s expected Devillier will be charged with attempted first degree murder.

Critics are not backing down in opposition to Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson’s controversial religious freedom bill. Johnson says he plans to amend the bill, but Forum for Equality Director Sarah Jane Brady says the intent of HB 707 has always been to discriminate against the LGBT community…

cut 11 (13) “of all people”

Johnson announced he’s going to change the measure to designate the “institution of marriage” as the “union of one man and one woman.”

The number of Formosan subterranean termites are rising in Louisiana and homeowners should take precautions against them. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Gregg Henderson says these termites build shelter tubes as they move up a home’s foundation. He says if you think your home may have termites, you should get an inspection or inspect the home yourself…

cut 7 (10) “they come up”

Henderson says if you do find termites in your home, you should call a pest control operator to get rid of them.

The Centers for Disease Control says if women take at least 18 months between birth and conception, it could lessen problems for both mom and baby. Medicaid Medical Director for Louisiana, Dr. Rebekah Gee, says a shorter time span between pregnancies can impact the emotional and mental health of the mother…

cut 5 (09) “hormonal shifts”

She says a shorter time span could also lead to premature births.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many women aren’t taking enough time between birth and conception which could lead to problems for both mom and baby. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The number of Formosan subterranean termites are rising in Louisiana and homeowners should take precautions against them. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s deputy continues to recover today in a hospital after getting shot three times. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many women aren’t taking enough time between birth and conception which could lead to problems for both mom and baby. Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Medicaid Medical Director for Louisiana. She says most research suggests that at least 18 months are needed between pregnancies…:

cut 4  (10) “between pregnancies”

Gee says in Louisiana, the CDC report shows nearly 30% of women don’t wait longer than 18 months before having their next child. She says not only could this lead to more pre-mature births, but a short time span between pregnancies also impacts the emotional and mental health of the mother…:

Cut 5  (09)  “hormonal shifts”

Gee says failure to space, may affect the risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight and small gestational age. She says Louisiana has one of the highest prematurety rates in the nation..:

Cut 6 (12)  “spacing occurs”

______________________________________

The number of Formosan subterranean termites are rising in Louisiana and homeowners should take precautions against them. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Gregg Henderson says these termites build shelter tubes as they move up a home’s foundation. He says if you think your home may have termites, you should get an inspection or inspect the home yourself…

CUT 7 (10)  “they come up”

Henderson says if you do find termites in your home, you should call a pest control operator to get rid of them. May is the beginning of the swarm season for these Formosan termites. He says one way you can help prevent an infestation is to change the lighting around your home. Henderson says most insects are attracted to the blue spectrum of light…

Cut 8  (09)  “yellow lights” 

He says the movement of infested wood-based items is the primary method of distribution of these termites. Henderson says these pests are responsible for more than $300 million in losses a year in the Greater New Orleans Area alone. He says it’s definitely important to check any trees around your home for termites…

Cut 9 (08)  “termite infestation”

______________________________________

Even though Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says he plans to amend the controversial religious freedom bill, critics are not backing down in opposition. Forum for Equality Director Sarah Jane Brady says the gay and transgender community in Louisiana already doesn’t have protections when it comes to housing and employment at the state level..:

Cut 10 (11) “behalf of its citizens”

Some lawmakers criticized the bill in its original form saying it was so broad in protecting any belief about marriage which could mean many things. Johnson announced he’s going to change the measure to designate the “institution of marriage” as the “union of one man and one woman.” Brady says the intent of HB 707 has always been to discriminate against the LGBT community…:

cut 11 (13) “of all people”

Governor Bobby Jindal says passing a religious freedom bill is one of his priorities for this session. He says the measure is narrowly focused on making sure the state can not discriminate against businesses for their religious belief in traditional marriage…:

cut 12 (11)   “for their beliefs”

Jindal says he can’t see how someone can make the case that the state should intervene on someone’s personal religious beliefs…:

Cut 13 (12)  “view of marriage”

————————————-

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office says it appears the motive behind the shooting ambush of one of their deputies Thursday stemmed from a man upset over traffic. 56-year-old John Paul Devillier, a native of the parish but resident of Gulfport, has been identified as the shooter. Sheriff Greg Champagne says 36-year-old Cpl. Burt Hazeltine was directing buses near a school crossing…:

Cut 14 (10) “stop traffic for him”

It’s expected Devillier will be charged with attempted first degree murder. Champagne says Hazeltine was confronted by the suspect who left the scene then returned to a nearby gas station and began dangling a gun out of his truck…:

Cut 15  (10)  “three times”

Champagne says Hazeltine was hit three times and one of the bullets got lodged behind his left eye which he may never see out of again. He says Devillier has a violent past including getting fired from a TSA job in 2013 for conduct unbecoming…:

Cut 16  (08)  “aggravated assault”

_________________________________________

The LSU football team completes spring practice on Saturday with the annual spring game. The scrimmage will give quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris another opportunity to show whether they should be the starting quarterback next season. Coach Les Miles on what he’s looking for from his signal callers…

Cut 17 (14)  “it aggressively”

LSU’s quarterback play was not the only thing wrong with the Tigers passing game last season. LSU’s young wide receivers also had their growing pains, but Miles says spring practice has been good for those guys…

Cut 18 (17) ” this fall’

Miles says as the Tigers conclude spring practice, the goal looking ahead to next fall is to make it into the four-team college football playoff. He says building depth will be a key to reaching that goal

Cut 19 (20)  “little younger “

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech will hold its spring game on Saturday. The coaching staff has divided the team into two squads and Coach Skip Holtz says Saturday is like a final exam, especially for the younger players on the roster…

Cut 20 (12)  “do what they’re doing”

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s office says a deputy directing traffic at a school crossing in Paradis was shot multiple times in an apparent ambush. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (22) “reporting”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal has been criticized by some for a fiscal policy based on Grover Norquist and the Americans for Tax Reform, but Jindal says he’s always been opposed to new taxes on Louisiana residents. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

The Pelicans are in the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2011 after last night’s 108-103 win over San Antonio. The Pels will face Golden State in a first round best-of-seven series beginning Saturday. The Pelicans scored 34-points in the first quarter and head coach Monty Williams says that came as a surprise…

CUT 3 (07)  “bench was great”

Games one and two will be played in Oakland before coming to New Orleans for games three and four next Thursday and Saturday. Williams says Anthony Davis’s play down the stretch was key in this big win…

CUT 4 (09)  “free throws”

Davis scored 31 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in the victory. Saturday’s game will be televised on ABC at 2:30. Williams says, because of the circumstances of this game, it may be the biggest win of his coaching career. He says many counted the Pels out of playoff contention six weeks ago, but they decided to take it one game at a time… (Pelicans home playoff tickets are on sale now.)

CUT 5 (07)  “won the game”

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

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s office says a deputy directing traffic at a school crossing in Paradis was shot multiple times in an apparent ambush. Captain Pat Yoes says the victim was helping buses make their way off of Highway 90 around 8:50 Thursday morning when the incident took place…:

CUT 6 (07)  “multiple times”

The deputy is identified as 36-year-old Corporal Burt Hazeltine, a married father of four. Yoes says a passerby drug the deputy behind the police car to safety. He says when other deputies arrived the suspect dropped the gun…:

CUT 7 (05) “university hospital “

The deputy is listed as in stable, but guarded condition. Yoes says there was an exchange of gunfire and the suspect’s vehicle was hit several times, but there are no other injuries in this incident. He says the shooting appears to be completely unprovoked…:

CUT 8 (04)  “off the roadway”

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

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office asks for the public’s help in the search for a missing woman whose vehicle was found intentionally set on fire and destroyed. Spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks says 54-year-old Taherah Ghassemi (ta-HAIR-ay ga-SEE-me) was reported missing by her son on Monday and hadn’t heard from his mom since Saturday…

CUT 9 (04)  “she was not”

Very few details are available as this is an ongoing active investigation. Hicks says the big concern is Ghassemi’s welfare and it’s important that she is found as soon as possible…

cut 10 (09) “sheriff’s office”

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

The National Weather Service has issued Flash Flood Watches across south-central and southeastern Louisiana through Friday night as rains continue to pound the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says over the past four to five days anywhere between five and seven inches of rain has fallen over most of south Louisiana and there’s more on the way…

cut 11 (08)  “south Louisiana”

Keim say there is the potential for up to three inches of rainfall per day through Saturday in south Louisiana. He says the biggest risk now is flash flooding and river basin flooding due to over-saturated soil. Keim says the chances for thunderstorms should drop significantly on Sunday…

cut 12 (08)  “to come in”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal has been criticized by some for a fiscal policy based on Grover Norquist and the Americans for Tax Reform. But Jindal says he’s always been a supporter of no new taxes on Louisiana residents…

cut 13 (11)  “to raising taxes”

Americans for Tax Reform states that it opposes all tax increases as a matter of principle. Jindal feels it would be a mistake to raise taxes, even as the state faces a $1.6 billion budget deficit. He says the improvements to the state’s job market and economy didn’t come by accident…

cut 14 (05) “government spending”

Although he agrees with ATR’s stance on not raising taxes, Jindal says he has been opposed to tax hikes since he ran for governor back in 2003. The governor says fiscal responsibility by cutting government spending may not be popular, but it is the right thing to do…

cut 15 (07) “been before”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal and Dallas-based Monster Moto announce the company will establish a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Ruston. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

BESE unanimously approves a process that will be used to review the state’s controversial Common Core academic standards. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

As we look ahead to the 2016 presidential election, how big of a roll will social media play? Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Governor Bobby Jindal and Dallas-based Monster Moto announce the company will establish a headquarters and manufacturing facility in Ruston. The project includes a $4 million investment to build a 100,000 square foot facility at the former site of Ruston’s municipal airport. Mayor Ronny Walker says this is a big deal for Ruston…

cut 4  (07)  “to come here”

Monster Moto manufactures minibikes, go-carts, and other youth oriented vehicles. Construction on the facility will begin in June and operations are expected to begin by the end of the year. Walker says Monster Moto is a company that really fits in the community…

Cut 5  (07)  “City of Ruston”

Monster Moto’s move will create 287 direct jobs for north Louisiana over the next decade and Louisiana Economic Development predicts an additional 292 new indirect jobs will be created. Hiring will begin in the second half of 2015. Walker says these new jobs are exactly what Ruston needs…

Cut 6 (07)  “here in Ruston”

______________________________________

BESE unanimously approves a process that will be used to review the state’s controversial Common Core academic standards. President Chas Roemer says the goal is to improve current standards where necessary instead of rewriting them. He says the key to this process is to make sure they have people who actually use Common Core participating…:

CUT 7 (10)  “for our state”

Roemer says the public will have the opportunity to review and provide input on every standard, and all related meetings will be open to all. He says this is not about being pro or anti-Common Core, it’s about finding out what should be expected of children who are learning…:

Cut 8  (09)  “in mathematics” 

Roemer says at least half of the 26-member Standards Committee will be made up of current Louisiana, district and school-based educators. He says they will be looking line-by-line at the standards to make sure they are appropriate or if some can be improved. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux says they would like to see a majority of the committee staffed by classroom teachers…:

Cut 9 (09)  “in education”

______________________________________

As we look ahead to the 2016 presidential election, how big of a roll will social media play? Both Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz used Twitter to announce they were running and Senator Marco Rubio’s announcement was shared thousands of times on Facebook. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says you should expect social media to play a major role…

Cut 10 (06) “in the campaign”

He says President Obama showed the importance of social media in his 2008 campaign. Cross thinks social media works better in targeting people better than just about any other approach…

cut 11 (07) “using this method”

Cross says social media is great to get out positive feel-good messages, but it’s also effective in spreading negative messages as well. He says you’ll see a combination of both as the presidential race gets going…

cut 12 (08)   “bad messages”

______________________________________

Oceana has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to protect sea turtles from shrimp trawl nets. The suit alleges that the Endangered Species ACt is being violated as 53,000 endangered sea turtles are allowed to be killed every year in the Southeast Shrimp Trawl Fishery off the Louisiana coast. Oceana Marine Scientist Amanda Keledjian (Ka-Led-Jee-In)…:

Cut 13 (11)  “throughout the fishery”

A turtle excluder device allows a captured sea turtle to escape when they are caught in a fisherman’s net. Keledjian says they want the enforcement and strengthening of the use of these devices which she says are 97% effective…:

Cut 14 (09) “these devices”

Keledjian says only 1 percent of the Southeast shrimp trawl fishery’s fleet is monitored for sea turtle by catch in recent years. She says they are named as one of the most wasteful — throwing out almost two-thirds of what they catch and killing tens of thousands of sea turtles every year…:

Cut 15  (08)  “we’re doing this”

______________________________________

A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer, Tower Loan. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to higher education. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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

A transgender Lake Charles man has filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against his former employer. 21-year-old Tristan Broussard alleges he was fired from Tower Loan last year when it was discovered he used to be a woman. One of Broussard’s attorneys, Amy Whelan (WAY-lan), says federal law prohibits employers discriminating against employees based on sex…

CUT 3 (10)  “sex discrimination”

The suit alleges that during a review of Broussard’s employment paperwork, it was noticed that his driver’s licence listed his sex as female. After the company’s vice president found out, Whelan says Broussard was pulled into a meeting…

CUT 4 (10)  “would be fired”

A Tower Loan spokesman says they do not comment on personnel issues or issues involving pending litigation. Whelan says they are open to talk with Tower Loan to settle this case and turn this into a success story…

CUT 5 (11)  “what they did”

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

The Natchitoches Police Department says the assistant principal at Frankie Ray Jackson Senior Technical Center is under arrest for allegedly paddling a teacher. Captain Chris Payne says they got the complaint in February that a female teacher at the school had a battery committed upon her…:

CUT 6 (07)  “Vogel”

64-year-old Hugo Vogel of Goldonna was arrested this week for simple battery and was later released on $303 bond. Motive for the alleged battery is unclear. Payne says the investigation was eventually turned over to the department…:

CUT 7 (08)  “Goldonna, Louisiana“

Payne says if anyone has additional information about this alleged battery or knows further details they are urged to contact authorities..:

CUT 8 (04)  “kept confidential”

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

The ACLU of Louisiana is calling on the candidates for Governor to address the state’s massive incarceration problem. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says we are the world’s incarceration leader, jailing more people per capita than any place on earth. She says the gubernatorial candidates are talking about fixes for the state’s budget and overlooking a serious crisis…:

CUT 9 (06)  “in the world”

Esman says when we’re facing massive cuts to higher education, hospitals and infrastructure, the conversation needs to get started about how we can get some of that money back. She says this puts us in a terrible position of being the world’s largest incarcerator…:

cut 10 (10) “huge amoutn of money”

Esman says Louisiana wastes millions in tax dollars paying for inmates who pose little to no threat to our society and believes small offenses would be better addressed through alternatives to incarceration. She says she’s not sure why the candidates have so far not addressed this issue and hopes that now that they’ve asked them to they will…:

cut 11 (10)  “not the last”

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

Over 100 college students gathered on the steps of the state capitol today to rally against proposed budget cuts to pubilc universities. Nearly all of Louisiana’s colleges were represented and many held up signs that said “No Funding, No Future”. UNO student David Teagle says these cuts equate to the theft of the future of Louisiana…

cut 12 (12)  “currently go to”

Higher ed faces huge budget cuts due to a $1.6 billion budget shortfall. Jesse Elliot, a student at LSU-Alexandria says funding for higher education has been on the chopping block for the last eight years and the state must establish stable funding for colleges and universities. He says the effects of more budget cuts reaches far beyond the schools…

cut 13 (11)  “eight years ago”

Students were joined by a handful of lawmakers who support their efforts. Winnfield Senator Gerald Long, whose district includes Northwestern State and LSU-Alexandria, feels it’s the legislature’s responsibility to enact positive ways to fund higher ed…

cut 14 (09) “failed you”

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